Strip Tips: NASCAR, wine and Blue Man

It's NASCAR Weekend again, and the Strip is offering a couple of options to fans. Or, if that's not quite your speed, try Bellagio's monthly wine and art event. Frustrated professional goofballs can apply to put their skills to good use in "Blue Man Group."

'Perfect Pairing'

Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is bringing back its popular event "Art and Wine: A Perfect Pairing" on Wednesday. This is where art and wine lovers get together to talk about their passion for the finer things in life. They raise a glass, or two or three, of wine that Bellagio's sommelier pairs with the art on exhibit in the gallery. For March, wine will be paired with paintings by Claude Monet. The event takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month. Admission is $30 for gallery members and $38 for nonmembers. The cost includes wine and access to the gallery. For tickets, call 693-7871.

Meet drivers

If you can't get enough of NASCAR -- and who can? -- this is your lucky weekend. NASCAR drivers will be at the Riviera signing autographs at 8 p.m. today before this weekend's big races. Kurt Busch, David Reutimann, Dave Blaney, Kenny Schrader, Robert Richardson Jr. and Scott Riggs are among the drivers who will be meeting with fans. Casey Mears' GEICO Sprint Cup car will also be on display on the casino floor through Sunday.

Blue Man auditions

Are you about yay tall (between 5 feet 10 inches and 6-2), with an innate sense of rhythm? Are you good at improvisation? Do you have a high tolerance for wearing blue body makeup? If so, the Blue Man Group wants you. They are holding auditions by invitation only at the end of March. If you want to try out, send in a headshot and resume to casting@blueman.com. In the subject line, write "Las Vegas appointments." If you make the cut, you will be notified. Visit bluemancasting.com for more information.

Question

Why is the Strip a scenic byway?

In 2000, the federal government named the 3.4-mile stretch of road between Sahara Avenue and Russell Road a scenic byway. The designation is awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation to recognize roads that meet one of several criteria: It must be scenic, historic, recreational, cultural, have some archaeological value, or be in a natural, undisturbed state. Guess which criteria the Strip fits? Of the 19 scenic byways around the country -- three are in Nevada -- the Strip scenic byway is the shortest, and it is the only "nighttime scenic byway."

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4564. Follow @StripSonya on Twitter.