Homestead-Miami Speedway, located in Homestead, Florida, is a prominent 1.5-mile (2.414 km) oval intermediate speedway known for hosting major NASCAR and other motorsports events. Since opening in 1995, it has been a key venue in American auto racing, offering a fast, competitive racing environment and serving as the traditional season finale for NASCAR’s premier series for many years. The track is owned by the city of Homestead and operated by NASCAR, with a spectator capacity of approximately 43,000.
History
The speedway’s roots trace back to efforts in the early 1990s to establish a top-tier racing facility in South Florida. The idea was spearheaded by motorsports promoter Ralph Sanchez, who, in partnership with the city of Homestead, secured a site for the complex as part of the region’s recovery following Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Groundbreaking took place on August 24, 1993, exactly one year after the hurricane.
Homestead-Miami Speedway opened in November 1995 originally as a four-turn rectangular oval inspired by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway . The inaugural event was the Jiffy Lube Miami 300 NASCAR Busch Series race, won by Dale Jarrett. Early on, the track also hosted premier open-wheel events including CART IndyCar races. However, the original rectangular layout posed racing issues due to flat, sharp turns making passing difficult.
To address these, significant modifications took place in 1997. The corners were reprofiled into a more traditional continuous-turn oval with 6 degrees of banking, replacing the boxy design. This renovation improved racing quality and safety but was prompted in part by the tragic 1997 death of John Nemechek in a Craftsman Truck Series crash at Turn One. Since then, Homestead-Miami has evolved its facilities, adding SAFER barriers, lighting, and modern amenities, solidifying its reputation as a premier racing venue.
Most Famous Races Held
From 2002 through 2019, Homestead-Miami Speedway was famous for hosting NASCAR’s season-ending championship weekend across the Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series, making it the site where championships were often decided. The race marquee on the Cup Series schedule was known for its intensity and high stakes.
Notable drivers such as Jimmie Johnson, who won multiple Cup championships while clinching titles at Homestead, as well as Dario Franchitti and Austin Dillon , have cemented their legacies there. The track continues to host NASCAR Cup Series events and is a key stop on multiple national racing calendars.
Track Information
The track is a 1.5-mile (2.414 km) asphalt oval with progressive banking that ranges from 18 to 20 degrees in the turns, facilitating multiple racing grooves and allowing side-by-side competition. Its smooth surface and aerodynamic racing characteristics encourage high speeds and strategic competition. Alongside the main oval, the facility includes a road course layout that incorporates parts of the oval combined with a dedicated infield section.
The speedway can seat around 43,000 spectators and features comprehensive fan amenities including modern grandstands, hospitality suites, garages, and ample parking. The facility operates under NASCAR management with Guillermo Santa Cruz serving as track president.
