Utah Grand Prix - Advice

Hey guys - Me and a buddy are going to the Utah Grand Prix next month. Should I stay in SLC or closer to the track? I'd like to stay somewhere that will be easy to access decent food and alchohol. (I hear bars are hard to come by altogether though) Also, are there any other attractions that I should try to see while I'm in town? (Never been to Utah) If anyone can give some me input on a good area to stay, as well as a few hotel ideas, I would really appreciate it. Thanks for your help!

I'd stay in Salt Lake City, the downtown area is small and easy to navigate, with plentiful parking. There are nice areas in the suburbs South and East of town near the base of the mountains that have some of the best skiing in the world. You should be able to drive to the track in about 30 minutes from downtown or 45 from Southeast areas. Lots of bars, taverns, brewerys, clubs and lots of good food. Will you fly in and rent a car or drive? I would recommend taking a drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon to Snowbird and Alta and the next canyon North, Big Cottonwood to Brighton. These are relatively steep and twisty canyon roads for about 8 and 12 miles respectively that are great drives and very scenic. Great climbing, snowshoeing, skiing, hiking etc. A drive of less than 30 minutes will take you to Park City, a touristy ski resort and old mining town. Lots to do there, food and drinks, art, shopping, etc. Tell me what you like to do and I'll make some recommendations. Nick I can recommend

We're going to drive my buddy's Audi TT. We are trying to find a nicer hotel that is close to food and bars mostly. If we have to drive 30 minutes to the track, no big deal. So is downtown best?

Downtown would make a nice "Basecamp" and I would recommend The Grand America Hotel, [phone removed]. This is one of the most elegant, largest and newest. You can walk to anything downtown. Other hotels in the area are Little America Hotel, SL Hilton, Red Lion, Shilo Inns, Marriott and lots of others. I haven't seen the inside of any of them so can't be of help here.

Grand America is a good call. A little "elegant" for my taste, but a nice hotel overall. I don't drink, but there are several bars, clubs within walking distance there. PM me if you need any other info. I live about 40 miles south.

If it's food and drinks you want, stay in park city. Of course, that wouldn't be too practical for the grand prix. Lots of fun driving roads though!

Have you guys been to an ALMS race before? I went to the Utah GP last year and was blown away with the Opening Ceremonies where they let the spectators on the track to rub elbows with the drivers and crew.

Yeah, I used to go the the ALMS race in Portland every year, but they are no longer coming here. I hear Miller Motorsports Park is pretty nice though. I'm looking forward to it.