In a remarkable display of corporate generosity, the chief executive of a Las Vegas supercar driving experience has distributed a staggering $350,000 in bonuses to his workforce following an exceptional year for the business.
Defying the Vegas Tourism Downturn
Speed Vegas, located in Southern Las Vegas, witnessed a record number of customers in 2025, according to figures shared with the Las Vegas Review-Journal. This success came despite a challenging local climate, with the city's tourism numbers declining for ten consecutive months and hitting new lows in November. The company reported a seven percent increase in riders over the past year.
CEO Romain Thievin attributed this performance to the company's sharp focus on delivering what modern tourists seek. "Guests are looking for immersive, authentic experiences, and we deliver that every day with the best cars in the world," Thievin stated. He emphasised that the record year was driven by the team's efforts, and sharing the success was a priority.
Sharing Success Across the Board
The company, which was founded in 2009 and merged with Exotics Racing in 2021, awarded bonuses of up to $10,000 to each of its 120 employees. This act of goodwill is particularly notable within the context of a weaker national labour market and a broader decline in the number of workers receiving year-end bonuses in recent years.
Speed Vegas operates a fleet of 70 luxury vehicles, including models from Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche, and McLaren, serving roughly 200,000 customers annually. The Ferrari 488 is cited as the most popular car in its lineup. Since the merger, Thievin has concentrated on enhancing the professionalism of the customer experience while maintaining safety as the paramount concern.
A Contrast to National Economic Trends
The company's generous bonus scheme stands in stark contrast to wider economic indicators. A November report from Bankrate highlighted that hiring in the US is exceptionally weak, with only 119,000 jobs created in September 2025—far below expectations. Economist Sarah Foster noted that current hiring levels are historically consistent with an unemployment rate closer to seven percent, rather than the 4.6 percent recorded in November.
Furthermore, a study by payroll firm ADP found a post-pandemic slide in bonus payments. In December 2024, less than 40% of employees analysed received a bonus, down from 44% in 2021. Typically, such rewards are also reserved for senior management, making Speed Vegas's across-the-board payments to all workers an added layer of distinctive generosity.
With the business now firmly established as a destination for locals and tourists alike, Thievin has plans for further growth and expansion. Beyond its supercar tracks, Speed Vegas also offers an outdoor go-kart track, a one-mile off-road dirt track for Baja trucks, and a ride-along option for non-drivers, available to children aged 11 and over.
