Las VEGAS GP: Behind the Scenes!

[@KymIllman]

There's no better Vegas GP memento than RACEWKND's new limited edition Las Vegas issue! Order your's here now: racewknd.co/products/las-vegas-issue

[@johnholthaus4970]

what happened at the Denny's?

[@mikekeenan7846]

I’m here for the dennys news.

[@MarkoVukovic0]

Brilliant, thanks for this!

[@JackFlanders]

@@johnholthaus4970 I walked past Denny's towards the latter portion of the race and several people were on the balcony. I didn't enter so I don't know if it was free or a charge.

[@JohnHyland2]

Another great video! Did you notice Max’s white suit had an Elvis theme to it? Very cool. Thanks for the great F1 content. I really love the behind the scenes you give us especially to the run up of the LV GP. Cheers from Texas.

[@KHP2601]

Thank you Kym for covering this whole race in such detail from months. No other outlet was this comprehensive. Thank you so much!

[@artifundio1]

You are so on point! From all KZbin, this channel was the best source of details about this weekend. Information, not opinions ☝️❤

[@davidjensen6742]

Ok

[@k2rum7]

Kym, I am one of the two Marshals you took the photo of, it was great to finally meet you! Cheers!

[@KymIllman]

So cool!

[@MrRono19]

I love your coverage of the races. So chill. No flashy edits. Just you talking and showing relevant pictures and videos where needed. Very cool stuff.

[@KymIllman]

Thank you muchly

[@quinnsmith2955]

I'm a Las Vegas local and I watched it on TV and I thought the race was amazing

[@Gbiese]

The combo Checo x Alonso picture signing was wholesome as hell! 🥺

[@KymIllman]

They're both class acts!

[@eudofia]

​@@KymIllmanI'm wondering. Do the drivers get a cut from the sale of those signed prints?

[@victors16811]

I learned so much this weekend 1- negativity is the biggest illness in this world 2- Don’t listen to them if we wanna make progress I’m so glad Vegas was one of the best races of the year!

[@SquidJoe]

Amen to that.

[@sallysmith3885]

Exactly right !

[@StopMediaFakery]

The problem with that is that what we saw was controlled opposition from the like's of Max and those media stooges. Ordinary people have no input into anything. The negativity was controlled and on purpose, so that when it went well they could all make things look even better. It's just marketing. Liberty spent too much money to allow anyone to run their mouths. Funny that people actually believe that Max cared or felt bad about the Vegas race. What drivers can say is very controlled. Anyone remember the Millennium Dome and how deliberate negative media coverage was used to cheat the tax payer? The media told us to believe the building was a flop, so then when it was given away to a private company it was accepted by the public because it was useless. The media are used to control everything, there is no input from regular people.

[@nicwaldron8793]

Having been in Vegas for U2 a weeks ago, the effort from everyone was amazing. It's the goal in life for the press to focus on in the negatives 🤬. I was over the moon when it went like a dream, Vegas you nailed it 🎉

[@JohnStrikwerda]

I saw U2 as well. It was cool seeing all the setup while I was there. Everyone was rooting for failure. I applaud the risk takers. To quote Bono… “If your dreams aren’t scary, they’re not big enough”. The race was amazing and can’t wait until next year’s.

[@mattmc20]

Nice to get a review from someone ACTUALLY there! Way too many KZbinrs putting garbage out for clicks and most have never even been to a race in their life let alone this actual race. Sure there were issues but it was also their first time ever doing this. Glad it was a success!

[@KymIllman]

I can't wait to see how they improve next year. Was a real joy to be at the event

[@vrccb]

Great feedback and glad you enjoyed it, as I did in the U.K.

[@KymIllman]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Haulinbassracing]

The track at night with the vegas lights was gorgeous

[@KymIllman]

Definitely some unique photo opportunity!

[@cweednz]

Yeah I think a dusk race start time would be better…. Night races all look the same.

[@georgiaguardian4696]

This turns out to be one of the best and the most dramatic races in years!

[@sarahhelwig2981]

I think all of the media criticism leading up to the race really tempered my expectations. In the end we ended up enjoying the race immensely! We were some of the lucky few who stood on our cars at that small hotel you featured. We watched the final corner and straight back to the finish line completely free of charge, it was a dream!

[@KymIllman]

Very lucky indeed! Hope you enjoyed it. I wonder if you will be able to do the same thing next year

[@VicCross]

Thank you for being so gracious at the meet and greet, just more icing on the cake of a great weekend.

[@KymIllman]

Always!

[@ndutzz100]

Thanks Kym for your comprehensive coverage on the F1 race in Las Vegas. Its a shame fans had to be chased away during practice sessions

[@alyw5087]

Thank you, Kym! I was there in the main grandstand and had a fantastic time! Hope to go again next year! I just hope they let us bring our cameras!

[@KymIllman]

Next time!

[@JLvatron]

Kylie Minogue and Shaquille Oneill are amazing! And I also loved Donny & Marie from the 70's!

[@jrgeb99]

I stayed up until 2:45am on the east coast of the United States, this race didn’t disappoint. It was fantastic

[@SquidJoe]

The only man that you can rely on. Thanks for the great coverage of LVGP.

[@KymIllman]

Much appreciated!

[@Dave-mi3jy]

Thank you Kym, finally we have positivity about Vegas.

[@KymIllman]

It's a pleasure

[@jimwolfe4286]

Kym, You were RIGHT !.. I watched the Race on Sky F1.....Great Race Venue....Terrific !!.....Hope next year will be even Better .....Glad it was a WIN/WIN for Vegas and F1 .....Great Content, Thank you...

[@RetailRipper]

i will admit, i was skeptical at first. With the new track surface, cool temps, carlos incident, and the fluid leak during the parade. However, it ended up being one of the more exciting gp's this year in my opinion. plenty of overtaking, a couple safety cars, and a relatively close last few laps. good coverage as usual.

[@symckr]

Thanks to max verstappen, putting a good performance. Or else it would be a boring race.

[@RetailRipper]

@symckr hardly. There was plenty of action throughout the field. He didn't run away with this one. Usually his good performances aren't even getting TV time.

[@symckr]

@@RetailRipper he was still doing the most with penalties and damage 🤷‍♀️

[@RetailRipper]

@@symckr ocon p4 in a car with 30hp less than everyone else is more impressive.

[@symckr]

@@RetailRipper didnt see him once in the race

[@JRT1493]

Kym, thank you for standing up for the small group of fans who remained in the Turn 7 grandstands as we were being escorted out. Your interaction with the crowd gave us that last glimmer of hope that we may be able to watch FP2 but it was not to be. See you in Vegas next year!

[@tjpowers88]

So glad to hear you had a good time, I did appreciate the race from home, actually turned out to be pretty darn good. Have a great holiday season to you and your family and thank you as always.

[@tqmeone]

I was there in the T mobile section by the Sphere. The entertainment between was excellent. What a fantastic event. I actually left on Thursday about 12:30 when they announced the practice would be at 2 AM. Most were leaving then. It was a screw up, but they pulled it off. Live and learn.

[@masattac]

It was my first race weekend I've been to! I live in Utah so I drove to Vegas just for quali, but it was worth it. The buzz in the city was electric and I can only imagine it was much crazier on race day.

[@masattac]

@@guybeingaguy ha you aren't wrong but I'm not your typical mormy 😂

[@eudofia]

6:49 That has to be my favorite display on the sphere. It might seem trivial but it must have taken a tremendous amount of effort to come up with all the designs and animations for the sphere and coordinate with the on track action. Well done Las Vegas.

[@SuperSaiyaGinge]

Have you ever made a video on how you got into being a photographer in F1? What was your journey, did you just know the right people to get into it? How can you afford to do all the things that you do within that or do you get a lot of complimentary things? Doing this as a job, what are some of your own expenses that aren't complimentary? I would find it quite interesting if you were able to share all that in a video or perhaps in a few of them.

[@roscoebookbinder5370]

Yes he has and it's all on his youtube channel

[@KymIllman]

kzbin.info/aero/PLYPh0gyHpgztvUr3TzUgFdMYC_mDubanT

[@fullsendgolfsimulators]

Love the attention to detail Kym! Always delivering the goods

[@jeffshafer4287]

The dice, and apostrophe - who would ever pick that out... Kudos to Kym

[@KymIllman]

Thanks for your feedback

[@ryanwalters6184]

Never doubted it. Call it a bucket list race event for f1 fans before the race.

[@ange1098]

Loved everything about it, the racing was top notch.

[@KymIllman]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@dannyboy2851]

Kym's coverage of F1 is superb. Real unedited straightforward but comprehensive

[@KymIllman]

Thanks kindly

[@ivanjulian2532]

Kym, your shots of Veronica suggests she's quite approachable. Well, certainly she's professional enough to know she should always be on the good side of photographers. Oh, and you've got a Hasselblad! You lucky duck! I had no idea they were still in business. The camera they took to the moon!

[@KymIllman]

Good point!

[@ianward71]

Loved it. Watching it back in Sydney and I thought the race was awesome. One of the best of the year. The backstage pass we get from you just adds more to that. Thanks Kym. Love your work mate

[@KymIllman]

You are welcome

[@gustavomorales5883]

This is the review I was really waiting for. Great Job!!!

[@KymIllman]

Glad you liked it

[@cocheese77]

The TV coverage didn’t translate well as far as “venue spectacle” was concerned. The race track looked like any other concrete and steel tube circuit. There were no WOW shots like you get at Singapore (which looks like the set of Blade Runner). Really enjoyed your behind the scenes stuff and your pics do more justice than the TV cameras did.

[@apophisstr6719]

I agreed, they didn't take the opportunity showcasing the amazing lights of Las Vegas, most of the camera angles are just as you described, at some point I even thought I mixed up Saudi GP with this. The only best bits were the onboards during the rundown at the Strip.

[@Mobi666]

I must agree with you. You almost could not see the hotels and landmarks when TV cameras were on the track. Maybe it's because the track lights were super bright and the way the F1 track cameras are setup? It almost looked like the paris eifeltower, bellagio fountains and other strip hotels were not illuminated at all during the race? (except for the sphere obviously). Can anyone who was at the track on Saturday confirm if all hotel lights were on during the race or not?

[@Kampy_]

@@Mobi666 I was not there this weekend (but was a couple weeks prior) so I cannot confirm, but it seemed to me that the Bellagio fountains were kept OFF during the "hot laps" of qualifying, and during the race. But I did notice they WERE going off during the parade/formation lap (probably timed to look good from the high helicopter shot). Perhaps this was because it was windy on race night, and the mist from the fountains could get blown onto the strip? Or perhaps Bellagio wanted to ensure that their guests' view of the track would not be obscured during the race? Also- remember there were temp. grandstands built directly over the water, close to the fountains, so that probably played a role too. I don't think any hotel lights were turned off or dimmed, I just think the temporary track lights were SO bright, it made everything else seem dimmer. I heard they asked Sphere and other venues to refrain from using flashing red or yellow colors in their content (they actually used Sphere as a yellow / checkered flag indicator) so maybe a couple places just turned their screens off to avoid any potential controversy? I thought the high aerial shots looked great, and wish they would have used those angles even more on the broadcast. If I were in charge of the broadcast, I would look into the idea of using a "cable cam" or SkyCam, suspended by wires, above the Strip, that could follow above the cars, giving a real sense of speed. I've seen that used in other racing formats. Perhaps the tech isn't capable of keeping up with the cars on the long straights, but they could use cable mounted SkyCams over some of the turns, I would think.

[@austinmarius850]

Kym, it was great seeing you there covering this AMAZING race and weekend. You're commentary is always spot on and your photography stunning. Vegas was truly a success (even with the few hiccups that occurred) - the racing was great, and blazingly fast with overtakes and thrills. With so many new innovations from this race, its hard to imagine how F1 will not benefit from it! I think that next year, this will be an even more MUST go to event for everyone.

[@jameskiehm546]

Great coverage Kym! I love your mellow and calm voice.

[@KymIllman]

Not happy with my sore throat

[@testopatia106]

Hi Kim I must say it was the best race i have ever seen. I even watched it twice something i have never done before..Well done every one.

[@KymIllman]

Glad you loved it

[@ronniefront511]

I attended the weekend, apart from Thursday, the weekend was brilliant and the race was better than expected!

[@KordellCaldwell]

Great video as always, & thank you for posting a clip of what Toto was actually saying instead of making it seem like he was dismissing what happened to Carlos.

[@freddiefreihofer7716]

Actually, if you see the whole clip it's even worse.

[@KordellCaldwell]

@freddiefreihofer7716 If you watched the presser, the question was not directly about what happened to Carlos, nor was Toto's answer. The interviewer basically stated that, based on the days leading up to the GP and the cancelation of FP1, the LVGP was tarnishing the reputation of F1, and the organizers were to blame. Toto went off and stated that what happened in FP1 was clearly a mistake, but it's not the first time, probably won't be the last, and its not fair to diminish all the hard work people put in to make the race happen based on that mistake. I'm not saying you said this, but it's funny that a lot of people who are bashing Toto were praising James, when James quite literally said the exact same thing. Toto even said about James' comment, "Exactly what I was trying to say, just way more eloquent."

[@KymIllman]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@matthenry5]

hopefully next year they make prices, so that those of us F1 fans who live on the west coast of the US can afford to go! awesome content Kym!

[@rahkinrah1963]

F1 is a lot of glitz and glam. This topped it.

[@Kazper12]

Fantastic summary all thought out the LVGP! ❤

[@KymIllman]

It offered a gold mine of content

[@zetec]

the autographs/messages you got from sergio/fernando are amazing keepsakes. what i wouldn't give for the pair! I am incredibly jealous. That was one of my favorite finishes ever

[@KymIllman]

I was thrilled.

[@sallysmith3885]

Qualifying was FANTASTIC as was the opening night show and Saturday's race! Great job Formula 1 and Las Vegas ! First time here but will definitely be back. Wynn has been first rate as well. Looking forward to next year's race!

[@KymIllman]

Me too

[@christianl3189]

That was the best race all year! We had so much fun. I live here in Vegas and I am super happy it went well. Can't wait for next year. 🎉🎉

[@KymIllman]

Good to hear

[@dr.python]

No matter how bad things get, if there's a lot of action at the end it all becomes worth it, because it signifies _"the racing part"_ of there race was full distance.

[@myfantube]

Thanks Kym for all the coverage. I was working with Guest Services (The ones with the red jackets) and understandably people were angry and upset on Thu night (early Fri morning to be more accurate). I'm so glad that on Sat the drivers put on a heck of a show and everybody left the track very happy and satisfied.

[@BreadBreeder42]

Your content has been absolutely brilliant the past few months man! Thank you very much!

[@KymIllman]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@Drrolfski]

Ironically, Max in a white Elvis race suit was an absolute stand-out hit. He nailed it with that one and in the end, the most critical guy of the event fitted in the best.

[@AdMartens]

Max was critical on the show pushing out the sport. If they ask him that 100 times he becomes the most critical... Nice outfit indeed.

[@Drrolfski]

​@@AdMartens Indeed, he got this misconceived​ image of some anti-Las Vegas activist only because the press was asking him about this too much.

[@Huttonnn]

You’re the man Kym! Thanks for all the quality coverage!

[@KymIllman]

My pleasure!

[@LarsAgerbk]

a fantastic event and more importantly: a fantastic race.

[@KymIllman]

Absolutely!

[@michaelmastrostefano434]

great video as always kym, would have loved to see the food in the paddock and elsewhere , also i think you need a blooper video those bits at the end are terrific so glad you and your family had a great time

[@KymIllman]

Will keep it in mind

[@michaeltorpy3366]

Hi kym greetings from Thailand Las Vegas is one hell of a place best short break I've ever had g p looked fantastic maybe come see next year stay passionate 🎉🎉

[@swaranjitbajaj]

You got the best coverage of this race! Thanks for the wonderful content.

[@KymIllman]

My pleasure

[@chrisprideaux151]

Tremendous work as always Kym, you deserve an end of season break every bit as much as the drivers do.

[@3k3k3]

As always, such a pleasure to see the photos.

[@spaz2401]

good on ya photographers standing your ground

[@WorthiestDavid]

I was sure it was going to be a flop. But damn was I wrong. I stayed up sooo late (2am central time) to watch this! I was hurting the next day, but worth it. Can’t wait to watch it again next year!

[@KymIllman]

Most people seemed to have a similar experience! I am looking forward to next year as well

[@erwinkruger-haye2698]

Greetings from Cape Town. Great video as usual. My 19 year old and I turned to each other at the end of the race and agreed that it was the best race of the season and the spectacle was amazing. That after we spent the week preparing to hate it!!!!!!Awesome video as usual and great shots. Especially love the Wide shots of the car in foreground and Sphere behind... OH and a few paps are jealous of your Brad Pitt shot

[@KymIllman]

He was only in the open for about 30seconds.

[@teamredgutz399]

A great summary of what was the best race of the season.

[@skier27md]

Thank you Kym! I had my eye out for you all weekend from my seat, to yell a hello, but maybe next time. Cheers I had a great time (except the kicking out bit)

[@KymIllman]

Next time!

[@alphaperez]

The casinos make a killing during the Super Bowl, boxing matches, and other big events. Vegas is a massive party, always a fun travel destination. Unlike Miami, this race is getting good word of mouth from fans who attended saying the food was good and many of the grandstands featured great views, and that the atmosphere in Vegas was electric.

[@TracksideViews]

I’ve never seen so much passing and close racing through out the field in an F1 race before. Awesome race!

[@KymIllman]

I had no idea what was happening during the race but it looked great

[@davidlabarr]

The alpine palace is hysterical. Lookin fly

[@juggernaut316]

One of the best races of the season

[@Frazec_Atsjenkov]

Your positivity and enthusiasm are infectious. Some lovely images there :)

[@KymIllman]

Cheers

[@georgevana]

I was hoping this event will be sucesfull, thoroughly enjoyed it, even with the time shift (I am from Czech Republic).

[@rynosraceroom66]

Im glad things worked out . What a spectacle ! 🤘🏼🏁

[@KymIllman]

It was!

[@shawnhillman8630]

I love that race day turned out to be brilliant. My son worked on project logistics, and they are all so proud of how it turned out. Time to make some notes, and come back even better next year.

[@KymIllman]

Well done to your son

[@ColinRobertson_LLAP]

I live outside of LA and would have loved to be there, but ended up schedule to work in Abu Dhabi instead (unfortunately I leave just prior to that GP). I really hope you have another meet and greet next year because I would love to join up with you! Thanks for all the great coverage Kym!

[@KymIllman]

You're welcome

[@ZacharyBraxton-kl5bs]

When it's all said and done. Everyone had fun!

[@AKHKCZplus]

Thank you. While all the doom, & gloom (big loss) short sellers were predicting utter failure. You were one of the very-very few to provide perfect analysis, & unwavering, optimistic foresight as deadlines neared. There’s no shortage of pessimistic Zero’s, but Hero’s are hard to find….Again, thank you for all you do, Kym.

[@KymIllman]

I just call it as I see it. Cheers.

[@justjaee546]

Been watching you since 2021 after austria kym ! Love all your videos , met you once for the show run in downtown Dallas . Keep up the great work . Hope to see you again next year for a meet up . 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@jeffmcconniel2838]

Because it was at night and the stands were not illuminated (no crowd shots), the overall impression on TV was the cars racing in an empty city. So it felt odd... IMHO... But, the racing was terrific!

[@Flipwanderlust]

I live in Vegas for 20 years now and loving it 😍

[@KymIllman]

Good to hear

[@gt5133e]

def one of the better races of the year. for a simple track layout it made for great racing!

[@racer7374]

Thanks to the Vegas GP I came across your channel, love the content, well done

[@SAMX4949]

Hey thats amazing to see my idea with Fernando and Checo worked, Good job Kym!

[@jimlong8077]

Glad we have guys like Kym to make the big sacrifices for content like spending a month in Vegas shooting the event of the year 😂😂😂

[@KymIllman]

Glad you're watching them!

[@classymrbarto]

Cool tidbit from the message from Alonso to Checo in the picture "Campeón dentro y fuera del circuito" translates as "Champion on and off the circuit (track)". High praise among these drivers, love to see it. Love your vids Kym

[@KymIllman]

Thanks for the info!

[@vdbdg]

Brilliant, to the point, fun details we love, and you get your promo without dragging on. Keep it going!

[@KymIllman]

Thanks, will do!

[@michaeltubbs272]

Thanks for awesome pics and stories you are the best

[@KymIllman]

Hear hear!

[@guscosta85]

Hahaha only person to mention correct apostrophe usage in a video like this. Legend! Great coverage overall!

[@KymIllman]

Your'e welcome! Yo'ure, Youre' Y're welcom.

[@lu7812]

love your recaps mate!

[@KymIllman]

Love to hear you love them

[@iambilsy]

I LOVE that you went through the watches! More watches!

[@peterpaulissen2690]

Finally, a very positive report. Well done.

[@Timep3]

Dang I had no idea about the meetup I would've attended. Was keeping my eye out for you walking the track tacking photos but never spotted you. Thanks for the videos it was a great weekend

[@KymIllman]

A long weekend for me but a very enjoyable one!

[@kayelle8005]

I love your voice and your delivery. Thanks Kym 🇦🇺

[@KymIllman]

Thanks for watching

[@raydriver7300]

Another interesting video, Kym with a tall guy in front of the meet and greet and a huge sigh at the end (always stay until the end). Looking forward to the next one 🌞

[@KymIllman]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@CanyonsCarver]

Best race of the year, glad I was there

[@KymIllman]

Good to hear

[@Ashley-lz9jh]

Really really appreciate your review videos, your historical knowledge, and your attention to detail. These videos are so incredibly informative, and interesting to watch. Helping me to choose which GP I should see next!

[@KymIllman]

Glad you like them!

[@jeffpodrouzek2995]

All great reviews Kym fabulous job for those who did not get to the race good overall info and a long time resident here in Vegas im always amazed at what Vegas does to reinventing itself just stellar

[@KymIllman]

Thank you, I try!

[@allareasindex7984]

Thank you for covering how the paying public was treated by the police and staff. It’s important that arrogance and bullying be exposed so the promoters aren’t unaware nor can they hide. I’ve been roughly treated for no reason at the Austin GP with my young son right there. He said “That was excessive, wasn’t it!” If a schoolboy with intellectual disabilities can figure it out…

[@ukroblhikesandwalks146]

Kym - was a Marshal at T14 what a race! Added to as I got to meet Yuki and Nico as that DNF’d in our safety area. Amazing experience. Was looking out for you.

[@KymIllman]

Next time say hi if you see me

[@ukroblhikesandwalks146]

@@KymIllman will do

[@clintlaney6220]

As always, a great job Kym.

[@KymIllman]

Thank you

[@SuperPassionflower]

I maintainL you're a star! Thank you for your report!!! Loved it and the messages between Checo and Fernando..

[@KymIllman]

You are so welcome

[@joesmith201212]

The best race in F1 history

[@KymIllman]

That’s a big call.

[@rickc8432]

Great video....as usual Kym, please keep it going...my highlight!

[@KymIllman]

Thank you! Will do!