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Homestead-Miami Speedway
On November 3, 1995, a dedication ceremony was held honoring the new racetrack in Miami, Florida. Known as Homestead Miami Speedway, the NASCAR Busch Series provided for the track's inaugural race just days after the ceremony. On November 5, 1995, Dale Jarrett took the checkered flag at the Jiffy Lube Miami 300. The next to follow in the NASCAR series, the Craftsman Truck teams rolled into town in March 1996 for the Florida Dodge Dealers 400. Dave Rezendes drove to victory during the first ever Craftsman event held at Homestead Miami Speedway. Rounding out the NASCAR series, the inaugural NASCAR Nextel Cup race was held in November 1999. Tony Stewart took the checkered for this event, which was named the Penzoil 400.
Homestead Miami Speedway is a 1.5 mile oval, 2.21 mile road coarse asphalt racetrack that is situated on a 600 acre site. Drivers find 20 degree variable banking in the turns and an ample garage area. The facility includes 65,000 grandstand seats, a number of garage suites, 750 television monitors, etc. There are press areas located throughout the facility and specifically in the infield media center, which can accommodate up to 90 journalists and/or photographers. There is also a press box, which is located on the fifth floor of the Tower Building, which stands as high as a 12-story building, and can accommodate 156 writers.
A visit to Florida wouldn't be complete without palm trees and Homestead Miami Speedway wouldn't have it any other way. There are over 1,000 palms located throughout the facility, along with four lakes - two of which are in the infield. There is plenty of parking, which is free of charge to speedway guests, with a total of 30,000 spaces available. For those with recreational vehicles, an additional 1,300 parking spaces are available.
In 2005, Homestead Miami Speedway announced the addition of state-of-the-art lighting being added throughout the track. This installation made it possible to hold the Ford Championship weekend after dark for the first time in history. Another new addition is the Champions Club Tower, which is located just outside of turn one. It includes 16 skyboxes, each of which can accommodate up to 32 individuals, with a variety of luxurious amenities. Perhaps best of all, these seats offer a spectacular view of the racing action just below.
After 10 years of operation, Homestead Miami Speedway is poised to welcome the continued growth and popularity of the auto racing industry. Annual NASCAR events have become a fixture at the facility, as well as in the heart of many race fans.
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