Feld hopes study makes case for LV Events funds

As chief operating officer of Feld Motor Sports, Ken Hudgens has helped oversee two successful events at Sam Boyd Stadium. But he wasn't satisfied.

He has hoped for financial support from Las Vegas Events to further help the Monster Jam World Finals and the Monster Energy AMA Supercross.

So Feld Motor Sports commissioned a report by McGuire Research Services to make its case to Las Vegas Events, and determined those two events this year created a combined economic impact of $86.9 million in Las Vegas.

Hudgens estimated the Monster Energy Cup in October will create another $20 million, but no study was commissioned for that event.

He notes those three events are competitive with NASCAR weekend's $136 million impact and the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon's $91 million, and well ahead of the $60 million Hudgens said is created by the National Finals Rodeo.

"We're kind of the best-kept secret," he said. "These (Feld Motor Sports) events aren't as known in the city as NFR, but they have a better economic-impact delivery.

"We wanted to try to tell our story. There are plenty of places where we can move our events. We don't want to. We want to stay in Las Vegas."

Attempts to reach Las Vegas Events president Pat Christenson were unsuccessful.

Citing the report, Hudgens said the Monster Jam Finals in March created a $42.3 million impact, with 27,462 visitors averaging $1,650 in gaming and nongaming spending. Ninety-four percent of those who attended said they would not have come to Las Vegas if not for the event.

Last month's Supercross created a $44.6 million impact, attracting 26,290 out-of-towners who spent a $1,700 average. Ninety percent said they would not have made the trip if not for the event.

"I think we would do ourselves a disservice if we didn't tell our story," Hudgens said.

■ STANDINGS - Scott Gafforini holds a commanding lead in his bid to repeat as season champion in the NASCAR Super Late Models at Las Vegas Motor Speedway's Bullring.

Gafforini, the only driver to win three season titles at the Bullring, has 159 points, 43 more than second-place Glenn Burke.

Patrick O'Hanley has 263 points in Super Stocks, six more than defending champion James Wingard.

Bombers defending champion Pete Meyer has 267 points, leading Jason Kiser by 36.

■ PARTY AT THE SPEEDWAY - It's a quiet weekend from a motor sports perspective at LVMS, but the place will be plenty loud with the Electric Daisy Carnival today through Sunday.

Racing returns Father's Day weekend at the Bullring and Strip.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow him on Twitter: @markanderson65.