P1racenews AI automatic summary:
As The Race reflects on the 2023 motorsport season, we’ve asked our writers to recount their standout motorsport memories or feelings from the past 12 months. It’s a surreal 3.30am revelation in Las Vegas that’s stuck in Edd Straw’s mind
The 2023 motorsport season was filled with excitement, including a record-breaking Formula 1 schedule, 39 MotoGP races, and intriguing moments in both IndyCar and Formula E. For Edd Straw, the standout memory occurred during the Las Vegas Grand Prix. While Carlos Sainz’s mishap during free practice was notable, it was a later moment that truly captured the absurdity of the race weekend. With the uncertainty surrounding whether free practice would even happen and fans being sent home before the cars returned to the track, the start of FP2 at 2.30am local time was already legendary. As Edd watched the session, it dawned on him that they were in the heart of one of the world’s most famous cities, experiencing a 90-minute practice session in the middle of the night. This moment epitomized the contrasting elements of the event – from the remarkable achievement of transforming Las Vegas into a racetrack to the chaotic communication and public relations response. Although the race had its share of problems, that delirious moment will always symbolize the first Vegas race that ultimately delivered for Formula 1.
