Las Vegas Motor Speedway has released its event schedule for the March 4-6 NASCAR Weekend with one significant change from last year – the NASCAR Nationwide Series teams will get a four-hour practice session on Thursday, March 3.

In addition, the drivers competing in the Sam’s Town 300 will participate in an autograph session at 2 p.m. on March 3 in the Neon Garage. The speedway’s grandstands and Neon Garage will open at 11 a.m. and be free to the public on March 3.

“This extra practice day will give race fans another chance to see some of the world’s best drivers – and it’s free!” said LVMS president Chris Powell. “With Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards and Danica Patrick among those expected to compete in the Sam’s Town 300, the Thursday autograph session should be very popular with the race fans.”

Race and qualifying times also are set for the weekend. Both the Kobalt Tools 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race on Sunday, March 6 and the Sam’s Town 300 NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Saturday, March 5 will begin at noon (Pacific Time). Qualifying for the Kobalt Tools 400 will be held Friday, March 4 at 3:40 p.m. as part of Stratosphere Pole Day. Qualifying for the Sam’s Town 300 will be March 5 at 9 a.m.

The race weekend kicks off Wednesday, March 2 with the first of two consecutive days of World of Outlaws Sprint Car racing on the half-mile dirt oval.

Tickets for the NASCAR Weekend are on sale at www.lvms.com or by calling 1-800-644-4444. Neon Garage passes, Lucky 7 preferred parking and driver introduction passes also are available.