There’s something nostalgic about Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which has hosted thrilling NASCAR races since 1996. The 1.5-mile track has delivered countless edge-of-your-seat moments, from Joey Logano and Kyle Busch’s infamous brawl in 2017 to Jeff Gordon’s 180-mph backstretch wreck in 2008.
What’s interesting is that the 2025 Pennzoil 400 could well have something similar in store for fans thanks to its traditional track layout with 20-year-old characteristics. For starters, the track was last repaved in 2006, nearly two decades ago.
Will NASCAR Repave the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2026?
Recent photos of the track’s surface show noticeable wear, with ruts and patches forming ahead of this weekend’s race. With two hours of practice on Saturday, March 15, and a nearly three-hour race on Sunday, March 16, those weak spots could break down even further, leading to increased tire wear — and possibly some wrecks.
Another thing I didn’t realize: The surface here has quite a few ruts and patches. Last repave was 2006 when they did the Neon Garage at the same time. pic.twitter.com/fGPvodKILn
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) March 15, 2025
But that’s not the only factor that makes Las Vegas one of the most traditional tracks on NASCAR’s calendar. Unlike other tracks that have completely transitioned to SAFER barriers, Las Vegas continues to feature tire barriers on its inside walls. While it’s safe enough, any crashes into the wall could lead to much longer repair time.
In 2022, Atlanta Motor Speedway underwent a complete makeover for the first time since 1997. Not only did it receive a new layer of asphalt but also an increased banking from 24 degrees to 28 degrees for Turns 1 and 2 and 33 degrees for Turns 3 and 4.
Of course, NASCAR’s primary intention was to improve pack racing; the 2025 Amber Health 400 showed the changes paid off with an action-packed event.
Could Las Vegas be next? A repave seems inevitable — if not in 2026, then soon after. However, the question remains: Is it worth sacrificing a 30-year history in hopes of increasing excitement for the fans?