Dax Shepard Looking Forward to 'Rowdy Race Fans' as Vegas Prepares for Hollywood Takeover at First F1 Race

Brad Pitt.Photo:Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty

Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty

Viva Las Vegas!F1, the beloved international sport that’s rapidly gaining popularly in the United States, will descend on Sin City this week, and the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix isbringing out some of Hollywood biggest names.For three days, race cars will zip past iconic buildings on the famed Las Vegas Strip past at eye-popping speeds, with the festivities culminating on Saturday night at 10 p.m. with the main event.As with most things in the city, Las Vegas is expected to be a main characterin the F1 celebration.“I live in Vegas part time and can attest that it’s actually the city that never sleeps. There’s so much to do from the shows to dining, clubs, you name it. To try and fathom the undertaking the city planners has to go through in order to turn one of the most trafficked boulevards in the country into an on-street race track is remarkable,”Shaquille O’Nealtold PEOPLE exclusively. “I love too that Formula 1, which can feel elite with its races in cities like Monaco, is made more accessible to race fans.”

Shaquille O’Neal.Chris duMond/Shutterstock

The NBA legend is just one of the stars expected to head to the desert for the race, as he will joinDavid Beckhamto host a grand prix party at Club SI, which will overlook the circuit.

O’Neal calls his party a “more premium” environment and said Club SI “really levels up the experience.”

In addition to the O’Neal/Beckham party on grand prix day, Club SI will throw a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Party with models Nicole English and Brooks Nader on Friday, and on Thursday,Dax Shepardwill host Eff Won with DRS Podcast live from the venue.

Chloe Grace Moretz.Jared C. Tilton - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty

Jared C. Tilton - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty

While the city is known for its over-the-top entertainment, it’s also become a global dining destination, and a bevy of celebrity chefs are piggybacking off F1. Gordon Ramsay, Nobu Matsuhisa, Guy Fieri and Giada De Laurentiis are all hosting dining events.

“Vegas just does things better, whether it’s food, shows or entertainment. Now they are racing cars on the Strip under the lights,” De Laurentiis told PEOPLE. “It will be so exciting to see and will show off the Vegas Strip in a whole new way.”

source: people.com