NASCAR hauler parade wows fans along Las Vegas Strip

By Conor Shine

Thursday, March 8, 2012 | 8:21 p.m.

The cars, limousines and advertising trucks that typically clog Las Vegas Boulevard were joined by some noisy guests Thursday night.

More than 50 big rigs in town for NASCAR Weekend rolled down the Strip, lights flashing and horns blaring, shortly after 6 p.m. as part of the annual Hauler Parade.

Spectators packed the east side of the street, jockeying to get position to cheer on the trucks representing their favorite drivers.

The procession, which started near the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, blocked northbound traffic on the Strip for about 20 minutes. The trucks exited the Strip on Sahara Avenue before hopping on the highway to complete their journey to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Las Vegas resident Todd Ramsouer brought his family to watch the parade before they headed out to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend for the races.

"We love NASCAR. We wish it came to town more often," Ramsouer said.

The family ventured to the Strip to cheer on their favorite drivers, he said, even though they have split loyalties.

Seven-year-old Hara Ramsouer was supporting driver Brad Keselowski, while her sister Alia, 13, is a Kyle Busch fan.

The parade was also a family affair for Don and Debra Wolf, who camped out on a spot on the walkway near Bill's Gamblin' Hall and Saloon while waiting for their family members in town from Hawaii to join them.

The Wolfs, who live in Washington state, have attended NASCAR Weekend for the past five years and said the parade helps kick off a weekend of fun and racing.

"Seeing the trucks is exciting," said Don Wolf, who is a professional truck driver. "They're beautiful."

The NASCAR festivities continue through the weekend, concluding with the Sprint Cup Series Kobalt Tools 400 race on Sunday.