Get it? “Gears up”? It’s a car reference. Now this blog is an expert at: 1) Las Vegas, 2) NASCAR and 3) dumb puns involving NASCAR. That said, Vegas is revved for NASCAR, so read all about it.

There are tons of race-themed events around the city, including several at our famed Pulse of Vegas resorts: Bally’s, Planet Hollywood, Harrah’s and Flamingo. 

At Bally’s, there will be show car appearances and autograph signings Feb. 25 (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.), Feb. 26 (2 p.m. – 10 p.m.) and Feb. 27 (11 a.m. – 7 p.m.). The No. 2 Miller Lite show car will be on-site for viewing at the southeast corner of Las Vegas Blvd. and Flamingo Rd. On Feb. 26 (8:15 p.m. – 9:15 p.m.), NASCAR all-star Kurt Busch will sign autographs inside Indigo Lounge at Bally’s.

At Planet Hollywood, on Feb. 26 (7 p.m. – 8 p.m.), NASCAR enthusiasts are invited to the Playing Field Lounge for an autograph signing by racers Tony Raines and Travis Kvapil.   

At Harrah’s, the Crown Royal Ford Fusion show car will be available for viewing at Carnaval Court Bar & Grill. (Feb. 25, 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. and Feb 26., 8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.) On Feb. 26 (8 p.m. – 9 p.m.), drivers Jason Keller and David Gilliland will sign autographs at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill.

At Flamingo, the No. 40 Coors Light show car will be available for viewing between Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon and the Flamingo (Feb. 27, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.). NASCAR favorite Robby Gordon will sign autographs outside at Harrah’s Carnaval Court Bar & Grill, and the No. 7 Monster Energy Toyota Camry show car will be on display (Feb. 27, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.).

And don’t miss the Hauler Parade!

Our very own Elvis tribute artist at Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon, Pete “Big Elvis” Vallee, has been named one of the world’s “Top 10 Elvis Impersonators” by Time magazine.

The incredible news: His performances at Bill’s are free.

We caught Big Elvis at a recent show. Dude rocks a mic.

Time writes that Vallee’s “dead-on renditions of Elvis’ most popular songs” have won him accolades, including the prestigious Best of Las Vegas Award.

Time created its top 10 list in honor of Elvis Presley’s 75th birthday.

The Big Elvis Show is the longest-running Elvis tribute show in Las Vegas. Shows are Monday through Friday at 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

See the full list of Time’s Top 10 Elvis Impersonators.

Popped in at Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon yesterday, and fought our way diligently through the standing-room-only crowd to hear Big Elvis (real name: Pete Vallee) work his musical magic!

Big guy. Bigger voice.

It was a Monday afternoon, and Big Elvis still packed ‘em in at Bill’s Lounge. After all, he’s a Las Vegas institution. (He’s weathered several changes in ownership of Bill’s, formerly the Barbary Coast.)

Beyond being an impressive Elvis tribute artist, Big Elvis has been on an impressive journey of his own. When he began performing on the Strip, he weighed in at 945 pounds, and he’s now closer to 425. All done with diet and exercise, from what we understand.

He's even mastered the Elvis smirk!

Lesson learned: Arrive early for the best seating! Catch him Monday through Friday at 3:00, 5:00 and 6:30 p.m. Elvis fans agree, it’s the best free tribute show in Las Vegas.

Big Elvis is keeping the Presley legend alive, and becoming a legend in his own right at Bill’s. Read more about Big Elvis. Or book a room at Bill’s.

After a recent post about Hidden Gems in Las Vegas, we got this comment from Cindy in Vancouver, which we’re pretty sure is in Canada:

“We spent seven days at the Flamingo from August 24-31, and our hidden gem would have to be the ‘happy hour’ bar just outside the entrance to the Flamingo, next to Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall. They sell very good 32 oz. margaritas for $7.50!”

“We dropped her a line to say thanks for her comment, and she wrote, “I’m already trying to plan my next trip back to the Flamingo for more of those margaritas.”

Cindy, we like the way you think.

Do you have a favorite “gem” in Vegas? Post a comment and let us know!

We’re proud to announce our winner of the “Most Ornate Parking Sign EVER” Award.

This stained glass beauty gives parking the prestige it so richly deserves.

This lovely “Parking” sign was spotted at Bill’s Gambling Hall & Saloon, at the tranquil intersection of Flamingo and Las Vegas Blvd.

Of course, gloriously adorned parking signs are just the beginning when it comes to things to see (and hear) at Bill’s. Two words, people: Big Elvis. Seriously, this guy is great! His free shows are one of the undiscovered gems on the Strip.

Big Elvis isn’t as big as he used to be, but that voice is still ginormous (yes, that word is in the dictionary, thanks). Learn more about Big Elvis,  one of the Strip’s biggest talents.