Drive to Wynn podcast: More previews of Las Vegas race

The host, Justin Bell, has plenty to talk about, plus his guest is Darren Cox, creator of GT Academy and CEO of The Race Media

Jerry Bonkowski | Nov 16, 2023

Drive to Wynn podcast: More previews of Las Vegas race /

Hey everyone, welcome back to another edition of the Drive To Wynn podcast, featuring more preview discussion about this weekend's Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix with host Justin Bell.

The special guest on today's show is Darren Cox, creator of GT Academy and CEO of The Race Media.

Don't forget, the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix takes place this Saturday night and will be carried live on ESPN. But a word of advice: try to get a nap during the afternoon or early evening, because you'll need it.

Why?

The race starts at an unGodly time of 1 a.m. ET -- that's right, 1 in the morning, East Coast time! That's also Midnight CT, 11 pm MT and 10 pm PT (also Las Vegas time). The main reason it's such a late start -- although the visual optics of racing under the lights is going to be awesome! -- is to offer the race in daytime across Europe and the rest of the continent.

So without further adieu, let's go Drive To Wynn!

By the way, ere's the "liner notes," so to speak, about the episode:

On this episode of Drive To Wynn, host Justin Bell welcomes Darren Cox, creator of GT Academy and CEO of The Race Media.

Darren explains how simulators play a vital role in modern race preparations and an especially critical role in this weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix. With no prior experience on the track, teams & drivers will be looking to find any advantage possible in advance.

Darren also hints that cold tires and brakes could lead to some crazy moments as the inaugural Las Vegas GP will be held in the 40 to 50-degree range on what likely will be a damp track.

Justin thinks this race sets up well for Lando Norris, as he's been a champion of sims and seems to be confident in the Vegas spotlight. Darren believes if Lando ends up atop the podium, then it could catapult him to becoming the series' most popular driver.

Follow, rate and review with any comments & questions for Justin - we’d love to hear from you! Drive To Wynn is filmed exclusively at the Wynn Las Vegas inside the Blue Wire Studios.

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Published Nov 16, 2023

JERRY BONKOWSKI

@JerryBonkowski is an award-winning writer/columnist/editor who has specialized primarily in motorsports -- most notably coverage of NASCAR, IndyCar and NHRA -- for much of his 30-plus-year career. He has worked full-time for many of the largest media brands including USA Today, ESPN, Yahoo and NBC. He started AutoRacingDigest.com in partnership with Sports Illustrated in 2022 and serves as the site's editor and publisher. He also is a regular contributor to Autoweek.com and NASCAR.com. Follow Jerry on Twitter @JerryBonkowski