Homestead-Miami Speedway

Homestead-Miami Speedway is a 1.5-mile oval racetrack located in Homestead, Florida. Since opening in November 1995, it has become a key venue in the NASCAR calendar, attracting racing enthusiasts nationwide. The speedway is known for hosting the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race and features a layout that challenges drivers with high-speed turns. The speedway spans approximately 600 acres and accommodates about 43,000 spectators. It has various amenities for fans, and its asphalt surface includes variable banking in turns ranging from 18 to 20 degrees.

History

Homestead-Miami Speedway’s origins are linked to recovery efforts after Hurricane Andrew devastated the city of Homestead in 1992. In 1991, motorsports promoter Ralph Sanchez proposed constructing a permanent racing complex in the area. Groundbreaking occurred on August 24, 1993.

The speedway officially opened on November 3, 1995, with a rectangular-oval design inspired by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The inaugural event was the Jiffy Lube Miami 300, part of the NASCAR Busch Series, which attracted a sold-out crowd. The original layout posed challenges for competitive racing, as the sharp turns and flat banking made overtaking difficult. In 1997, a major reconfiguration transformed the track into a traditional oval shape, improving racing dynamics and safety.

Over the years, Homestead-Miami Speedway has hosted various racing events beyond NASCAR, including IndyCar races and FIA GT Championships. It served as the venue for the Grand Prix of Miami from 1996 to 2011. The speedway has undergone renovations to enhance facilities and spectator experiences, including lighting for night races added in 2005 and an upgraded media center completed in 2008.