F1 knew it couldn’t lean on quite the same intrigue for its second visit to Las Vegas. It also couldn’t realistically expect to repeat the money-spinning success of year one, which generated $1.5 billion dollars for the local economy and $77 million in tax revenue, outstripping all expectations.

Formula One drivers said the Las Vegas Grand Prix is finding its footing after its first year struggles and said they look forward to returning to Sin City for the flashy night race along the Las Vegas Strip.

While experts predict this year’s race will pull in slightly less than the $500 million or so in revenue for Formula 1 and the $1.5 billion in Las Vegas economic impact achieved in last year’s race, the contest and its weeklong festivities will still be a boon for all those involved.

Las Vegas held two championship races in 1981 and 1982, both title-deciding season-enders going under the name of the Caesars Palace Grand Prix, before the Nevada city returned to the calendar last year.

Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton paced both of Thursday night’s practices at the Las Vegas Grand Prix just two weeks after one of the worst races of his career.