Thousands of fans are already here for NASCAR. The infield is filling up with RVs and the Strip will be filled with NASCAR Haulers Thursday evening.

There are some new events for race fans this year. For the first time, Neon Garage pass holders will be able to sit and listen to the drivers’ meeting before the race.

“We are going to do it in the Neon Garage where all the fans can see it. This is the first public drivers’ meeting that NASCAR has done anywhere, not at Daytona, Indianapolis, Charlotte. This is the first one,” Jeff Motley with the Las Vegas Motor Speedway said.

Officials at the speedway say over the five days of the races they are expecting up to 300,000 fans to visit the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. There is space for 142,000 fans at the speedway. Organizers say they will hit that number for sure.

NASCAR week has started in Las Vegas. The cars do not actually start racing until Friday morning but events are planned for various sites around southern Nevada all week long.

The Las Vegas Strip will again be filled with NASCAR race cars and the 18-wheeler trucks that carry them. The Hauler Parade starts at 6 p.m. Thursday in front of the Fabulous Las Vegas sign at the southern end of the Strip.

There are promotions at several different bars and hotels, both on and off the Strip. The Stratosphere is again sponsoring pole day on Friday. It has special promotions for the week. The Riviera is holding a slot tournament with Kyle Busch that will benefit his charitable foundation.

Drivers will have autograph signing events throughout the week.  All events are free and open to the public.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7