Pit Stop Perfection: 10 Race Car Decor Ideas to Fuel Your Next Event

From a monochromatic helmet wall to a black-and-white-checkered stiletto, these race car-inspired designs are fit for fast-lane events.

Sarah Kloepple

November 15, 2024

Start your engines. As we patiently wait for the 2024 Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix, taking place Nov. 21-23, we're kicking our latest decor idea roundup into high gear. With a major upcoming race (set to once again take over the Las Vegas Strip) and 2023 being the second-most-watched F1 season in the U.S., there's no denying the popularity and excitement surrounding F1 events. For event profs, this presents an opportunity to tackle creative decor for viewing parties, race-themed events, F1 or IndyCar activations, and beyond.

From a luxe-looking monochromatic helmet wall to a massive black-and-white-checkered stiletto, these race car-inspired designs are fit for the fast lane. Take a look at some of the most imaginative ways we’ve seen high-speed cars and high-energy races come to life through event decor...

At Austin's F1 race weekend last month, Sports Illustrated hosted a post-race ticketed after-party called Circuit Series, which took place at Superstition nightclub. Before entering the venue, guests were invited to enjoy a photo op courtesy of Nine West that put its race-inspired shoe—a black-and-white-checkered stiletto—on full display.

See more: Sports Illustrated Shifts Into High Gear for Two Live Experiences at Austin's F1 Race Weekend

Photo: Courtesy of Authentic Brands Group

Last year's F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix was chock full of inspiring race car decor. The racing company tapped Blueprint Studios to design and produce its three official hospitality spaces. One of our favorites? This space, sponsored by Heineken, which took on a “Neon House” theme and featured programming by Corso Marketing Group. The neon-inspired space made an impact with oversize driver helmets as decor.

See more: Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix: Behind the Scenes of the Race's Biggest Events

Photo: Courtesy of Blueprint Studios

Helmets were also a standout part of the decor for an event from the 2022 F1 Miami Grand Prix. At the Mercedes-AMG Experience Center, a pop-up located in the heart of the Design District, decor was minimalist and luxe-looking. This wall installation featured 36 monochromatic driving helmets.

See more: Formula One Miami Grand Prix: How TAG Heuer, Mercedes-Benz, PATRÓN Tequila, and Other Big-Name Brands Revved Up For Race Day

Photo: Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

Helmet decor can be interactive, too. Take it from Gallery Media Group, whose Gallery Media House has made a splash this year, activating at tentpole events like Coachella, Stagecoach, and Art Basel. In May, the activation made its way to Miami for its F1 event. The car brand Infiniti was on hand to host a viewing party of the grand prix at the house, which included customized helmets.

See more: Has This Media Brand Solved the Experiential Marketing Equation?

Photo: Courtesy of Gallery Media Group

During F1 race weekend in Vegas last year, SiriusXM Pandora hosted an evening event at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Sponsor activations at the event included this winner’s podium photo moment.

Photo: Getty Images

This year, Liquid I.V. was the first-ever functional hydration sponsor for the F1 Miami Grand Prix. Its Race House, produced by NVE Experience Agency, was positioned between two points of the racetrack, which offered VIP suite guests double views. The second-level suites featured this branded photo backdrop with starting lights and tires.

See more: Behind the Build of the Record-Breaking 2024 Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix

Photo: Jenjphoto

This worthy throwback from 2015 features an F1-themed bar mitzvah designed by Caplan Miller Events. The event utilized the pit lane of the Circuit of the Americas racetrack in Austin, Texas, and several on-site garages. A logo with a checkered flag and the teen’s name appeared throughout the space.

See more: See How One Teen's Bar Mitzvah Incorporated His Favorite Hobby

Photo: Jerry Hayes Photography

At the 2019 New York International Auto Show, Nissan celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Z sports car and unveiled the Nismo 220 GT-R at a preshow event, which took place at Union West. George P. Johnson produced the event, which had a step-and-repeat decorated with toy sports cars.

See more: 17 Brand Highlights From the New York International Auto Show

Photo: Courtesy of Nissan

Another throwback we love: In the summer of 2011, more than 30 Ferraris were parked along Boylston Street in Boston outside Towne Stove & Spirits. Dubbed "An Evening With Ferrari," an event for 200 guests showcased four of the company's new vehicles at the time—along with the restaurant's new alfresco dining space—and invited top clients to valet in front of the venue. The fast-car theme even touched the F&B: These mini Hot Wheels trucks served burgers and fries.

See more: Ferrari Promotes New Vehicles With Red-Carpet Event, Sliders in Hot Wheels

Photo: Eric Levin of Elevin Studios

Talk of fast cars can, of course, lead to talk of the long-running Fast & Furious film series. For the Furious 7 world premiere after-party in 2015, Universal Pictures set up display cars outside the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles. The cars had been used in films from the franchise.

Photo: Sean Twomey/2me Studios