When Las Vegas hosted two F1 title deciders in the 1980s

David Tremayne, a Formula 1 Hall of Fame journalist, revisits the intriguing origins of the Las Vegas Grand Prix in the early 1980s. Held in the Caesars Palace car park in 1981 and 1982, these races were a testament to Bernie Ecclestone's determination to maintain F1's presence in the US market. Despite initial skepticism from many in F1 who likened the track to "three paper clips," the flat, smooth, and surprisingly quick circuit delivered high drama. The 1981 race saw a thrilling World Championship decider between Carlos Reutemann and Nelson Piquet, with Piquet ultimately clinching his first title amidst Reutemann's inexplicable performance slump. The 1982 event also served as a title decider, crowning Keke Rosberg as champion and marking a unique period with three US Grands Prix in a single season.