Three months to race day in Vegas, baby!

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This Friday marks three months to go until it's 'lights off and away they go' for F1 in Las Vegas.

As anticipation continues to build for next November's Grand Prix racing extravaganza in Sin City, extensive construction at the site is moving ahead at full speed.

F1's permanent pits and paddock complex - off East Harmon Avenue and Koval Lane - is now over 85% complete, while the public routes that will comprise part of the track have been repaved .

"We have done most of the paving; the entire circuit has all the initial asphalt lifts laid," said Steve Hill, CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, one of the event's co-promoters along with Formula 1 itself.

"You’re not going to have a bigger event in Las Vegas than F1," said Hill. "We have Super Bowl three months after Formula 1—Super Bowl from an execution point of view is easier because it’s all built.

"But there’s still a lot to do. Most cities don’t try and pull off both those in that period of time.

"There’s a lot going on in Las Vegas but Formula 1 will stand out."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.