Good morning! As the 2023 racing season approaches, there is an abundance of news to cover from the past week. Next weekend marks the start of NASCAR's official season with the highly anticipated Daytona 500. It was recently announced that Conor Daly will join a stout group of open drivers competing to secure a spot in the field. The popularity of F1 in America continues to skyrocket, with the Las Vegas Grand Prix already announcing an extension before its first race and Williams F1 now operating an office in New York. So sit back, relax, and get ready to be updated on the latest developments in the world of motorsports, along with another bad racing joke.

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F1

What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas (until at least 2032)

The Clark County Commission has approved the Las Vegas Grand Prix to race on the Strip until 2032. Formula 1 has announced a three-year deal to host the race in Las Vegas from 2023 until 2025 and is investing heavily in the circuit construction and promotion of the event. The Las Vegas Grand Prix is expected to bring an estimated $1.3 billion in economic impact and will take place each year around the week prior to Thanksgiving in November.

Williams: New York, New Opportunities 

Williams Racing has taken a strategic step forward by opening an office in New York, capitalizing on the expanding American racing market. This move has already started yielding commercial benefits, with the full-time presence of American driver Logan Sargeant and Jamie Chadwick on the team. Williams is the only team with an office in New York, located in the heart of Tribeca, and is staffed by a dedicated fan engagement team, led by a former NFL executive. The team is actively investing in fan activations and marketing around US races, which combined with Sargeant and Chadwick's participation, is generating positive commercial results. The recent partnership with Gulf further strengthens Williams' position and is a significant aspect of their multi-year plan to rebuild the team and enhance the Williams brand.

Alfa Romeo's Stake C43 is Well Done 

Super License Breakdown

There's been a lot of talk about Super Licenses and how they are acquired over the past few years. To compete in Formula 1, a driver must hold an FIA Super License. This is issued by the sport's governing body, the FIA, based on various factors. The drivers must be at least 18 years old, hold a current FIA International Grade A license, a valid driving license, and complete a knowledge test on the International Sporting Code and F1 Sporting Regulations. Additionally, the drivers must have completed at least 80% of two separate seasons from a range of certified single-seater championships and accumulated at least 40 points. The points are awarded based on the driver's classification in various championships. Check out the full breakdown on how points are awarded based on each Championship. 

More F1

🔢 Superstitions, former numbers and favorite soccer players... Here's how each F1 driver got their number

🤝 Nikolas Tombazis takes over F1 Day to Day operations... Ben Sulayem takes a step back amidst controversy

NASCAR

Can the Coliseum Replace Auto Club?

NASCAR returned to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the second consecutive year to run the Busch Light Clash. Sixteen cautions slowed the proceedings of the rough and tumble race that eventually crowned Martin Truex Jr. as the victor.

Some drivers believe that the Coliseum should host a points-paying race, while many disagree, saying that it would ruin the event and pit stops would be difficult. The Coliseum may serve as a stopgap if NASCAR is facing the possibility of not having a points race in Southern California for the first time since 1996. Decreasing the field for the main event from 27 cars to 24 may help alleviate the number of cautions, but award points would impact the championship and perhaps prevent competitors from driving recklessly.

Conor Daly Enters the other 500

Conor Daly will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 with the #50 Chevrolet Camaro car for The Money Team. He is an open entry and must race his way into the 40-car field. He has nearly 100 IndyCar races to his credit but has very limited NASCAR experience. BitNile.com will be the primary sponsor for the car. The open entry list for the Daytona 500 is becoming increasingly strong as there are currently six open entries vying for only two spots.

Pastrana Doubles up in Daytona

Travis Pastrana will drive Niece Motorsports' No. 41 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Truck Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway this month. This will be in addition to his already announced attempt to qualify for the 2023 Daytona 500 with 23XI Racing. Pastrana, an 11-time X-Games gold medalist, has previously competed in 42 Xfinity Series races and 5 Truck starts. 

Denny Drops Episode 1

Episode 1: Denny Hamlin reacts to Ross Chastain hitting him once again, the Clash turning into the Crash, should the Clash be a points race going forward and a great weekend for Toyota. Plus, reaction to rule changes NASCAR made, including banning the Hail Melon move pulled at Martinsville. Finally, Mean Tweets.

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More NASCAR

💸 "Everyone is trying to take this sponsor. I find out who has morals and who doesn't"... Several teams are trying to take Conor Daly's sponsor

❌ Todd Gilliland is out at Daytona... Zane Smith takes over the no. 38 for 6 races

GLOBAL MOTORSPORT

Take a trip to far away motorsport lands

📲 Moto GP popularity on the rise... Social media analytics confirm new most popular rider

🌨 WRC heads to snowy Sweden... Here's everything you need to know ahead of Race #2

⏱ Kyle Kirkwood adds endurance races to his schedule... Petit Le Mans and 12 hours of Sebring

Memes

ONBOARD OF THE DAY

Charles Leclerc Ferrari F2003 Abu Dhabi Onboard 

Ride on board with Charles Leclerc as he hot laps Michael Schumacher's Ferrari F2003 around Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. The car was recently sold at auction for £13 million, making it the second-most expensive F1 car ever sold. Schumacher won his sixth championship and six grands prix in the same year with the F2003.

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