The Art of Acceleration: How Frédéric Johais Redefined Motorsport in Las Vegas
- Stephane Benoist
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
In the world of high-octane performance and luxury cars, Frédéric Johais has carved out a space where speed meets strategy. Beginning with karting competitions before his teens and evolving into professional racing and management, Johais’ career reflects a rare blend of technical mastery, leadership, and an ability to make automotive dreams accessible to enthusiasts around the globe.
Frédéric’s professional path was shaped by a blend of motorsport and management experience. While competing with the Porsche McDo Racing Team, he also took on managerial responsibilities in parallel, learning the intricacies of leadership, operations, and customer engagement. “I started working in management while still racing, and that combination gave me a unique perspective. I understood both the technical side of motorsport and what it takes to run a team efficiently,” he recalls. This dual background—a combination of high-speed competition and professional management—later positioned him uniquely in the world of exotic car experiences.
His arrival at Exotics Racing in Las Vegas marked the beginning of a new chapter. With prior experience both on the track and in management, he stepped into a role that demanded both precision and vision. Over the years, Frédéric has worked alongside Romain Thievin (Founder and CEO) to develop and evolve the concept into what is now SpeedVegas—a multidimensional motorsport experience built around three core division: high-performance exotic cars on the main circuit, karting at Vegas Superkarts, and the Off-Road Experience featuring Baja Trucks and jumps. “We wanted to create a place that was like a theme park for motorsport,” he explains. “Different worlds, different experiences, all connected by the thrill of driving.”
SpeedVegas Rolls the Dice this month of November: Thue Ultimate Supercar Experience for F1 Week
When Formula 1 returns to Las Vegas this November 20-22, SpeedVegas Motorsports Park will offer fans more than a spectator experience — it will offer participation. During the Formula 1 Heineken Las Vegas Grand Prix, SpeedVegas will host The Big Race Experience, a trackside program designed for those who want to feel the race rather than simply watch it.
Guests will step behind the wheel of four extraordinary supercars—McLaren 570 GT4, Aston Martin Vantage GT4, Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo, and Mercedes-AMG GT R—guided by professional instructors through braking points, cornering technique, throttle discipline, and control.
This is not a simulator—it is the live, roaring, high-performance reality of motorsport— and on a purpose-built closed circuit, with the Las Vegas skyline rising in the distance.
By aligning this immersive program with one of the world’s most prestigious racing events, SpeedVegas positions itself as a complement to the Grand Prix, offering a visceral, personal, and unforgettable encounter with speed. In a city known for spectacle, this is an experience where the spectacle is yours to command.
For Frédéric, the goal is always to make motorsport accessible while preserving its technical essence. Driving a Ferrari, Lamborghini, or Porsche at high speed is not just about adrenaline—it is about understanding the craft behind performance: braking, cornering, acceleration, and the interplay between driver and machine. “We don’t just hand someone the keys. There’s a briefing, discovery laps to learn the track, and then they drive with an instructor. Safety and education come first,” he notes. The experience is customizable, allowing drivers to explore multiple cars or extend their laps, ensuring every visitor leaves with a unique story.
The appeal of SpeedVegas spans ages and backgrounds. Individuals seeking the thrill of high-performance driving can share the experience alongside corporate groups using the facility for conventions or team-building events. About 20% of visitors come through corporate bookings, often from international companies hosting guests in Las Vegas. “We work with companies from all over the world,” he explains. “They organize events here for their teams or guests. It’s a unique way to combine business and experience.” Yet for many, the allure is purely personal: the opportunity to approach, sit in, and drive cars they might never otherwise experience. Accessibility is central to Frédéric’s vision; the experience is open to visitors of all ages, with karting programs for teens and plans for family-friendly circuits for children as young as three. “We want motorsport to be for everyone—from kids just starting in karting to adults experiencing their dream cars,” he says.
Safety remains the cornerstone of every initiative. Every element, from circuit design to car maintenance, is engineered to minimize risk while maximizing engagement. Tracks are equipped with gravel traps, barriers, and advanced safety technologies adapted from professional racing. On-site fire and paramedical teams stand ready, ensuring that each experience is exhilarating but secure. “Safety is always the priority,” Frédéric emphasizes. “We even invested over half a million dollars last year just in barriers and track safety equipment. Everything we do is to make sure people leave smiling and safe.” Vehicles are maintained meticulously to perform reliably even under the extreme temperatures of the desert, and Frédéric continually invests in upgrades to ensure both performance and protection meet the highest standards.
Innovation and evolution are central values. Much like Las Vegas itself, SpeedVegas never stops. The company continuously innovates, introducing new vehicles, new experiences, and new infrastructure. A grand indoor building is under development to provide a climate-controlled space for events, arcades, and gatherings, enhancing comfort without compromising the thrill. “We want a structure that’s both functional and beautiful,” he explains. “People should enjoy the cars, the track, but also the environment. That’s part of the experience.” The overarching vision is to create a motorsport “theme park” where driving, learning, and entertainment intersect seamlessly—a space that dazzles visitors while honoring the art and science of high-performance vehicles.
Frédéric’s philosophy extends beyond the technical and operational. For him, the true reward is the emotion his guests take away. “It’s about the smile when someone drives a Ferrari for the first time, or the pride in mastering a corner,” he says. “Those moments are priceless.” Whether for an individual seeking the ultimate personal adventure or a corporate group creating lasting memories, the goal is to provide experiences that inspire, educate, and leave a lasting imprint.
Even for international visitors who may first learn of SpeedVegas through television programs or word-of-mouth, the draw is universal: the chance to touch the extraordinary, to step into the world of exotic cars, and to experience the unique energy of Las Vegas in a way that blends education, entertainment, and pure excitement. “Many French visitors come just because they saw us on TV,” he notes. “They might not even drive, but they enjoy seeing the cars, sitting in them, taking photos. That’s part of the magic too.” SpeedVegas has cultivated a space where passion meets precision, where thrill meets safety, and where every driver, regardless of background, can leave with both a smile and a story.
Experience Speed Vegas:
Location: 14200 Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89054
🌐 Website: https://www.speedvegas.com
📸 Instagram: @speedvegas
📘 Facebook: Speed Vegas
🎵 TikTok: @speedvegas
SpeedVegas offers high-performance exotic cars, karting at Vegas Superkarts, and an off-road adventure experience, blending adrenaline, education, and luxury motorsport. Visitors of all ages can enjoy driving Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, and more, with professional guidance ensuring safety while delivering unforgettable thrills.
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