Question of the Day - 08 January 2024

Actually, we're not sick of questions about this year's race. Yours is the first!

Anyone who's been around QoD for long probably realizes that we're positive-outlook people; our optimism about the future is eternal. Yet even pessimists might have a hard time arguing that the 2024 race, and races over the next few years, will be as disruptive as the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix in November. 

In the first and main place, the entire race circuit, nearly four miles in tourist-corridor central, had to be repaved -- and not just like normal roads, but to exacting standards that ensure, as much as humanly possible, a safe sporting event. As it was, a small imperfection in a manhole cover created havoc during the first practice run, which went to show just how exacting the quality had to be. It took roughly six months to complete that repaving job, with lane closures everywhere all the time. This year and beyond, very little of that will be necessary, only minor repairs due to extenuating circumstances, if there are any. So score one for less disruptions.

Secondly, since none of the vast number of preparations had been attempted before in Las Vegas, everything was being done for the first time. Grandstands, VIP clubs, lighting and camera erector sets, race barriers, temporary bridges, access routes and buses for employees and hotel guests, even the entire Pit Building itself were all starting from scratch. Now that race officials, planners, contractors, and the county all have last year's race under their belts and unless we're sadly mistaken, many notes were taken on what worked, what didn't, what took longer (and shorter) than expected, etc. So given the benefit of hindsight, we figure that's another indication of an easier runup to the race(s).

Thirdly, it's definitely in Formula 1's interest to tamp down the disturbances of race preparations going forward. So much ill will was generated by last year's "disorderly conduct" that we strongly suspect everyone involved will be hyperconscious of raising up anywhere near that level of animosity and rancor.

And finally, we know from the experience of the Miami and Austin, Texas, races that the first years were tough and the following years were easier. 

So all in all, even for sanguine observers such as ourselves, it's looking good for the runup to the races in 2024 and the following few year.

Now we'd like to hear from the pessimists.