NASCAR Events at Homestead-Miami Speedway Continue Despite Massive Brush Fire
A large brush fire in Miami-Dade won’t prevent NASCAR’s triple-header weekend from taking place.
Despite flames consuming over 26,000 acres—half of which was contained by Friday night—the races at Homestead-Miami Speedway will proceed as planned. The event is happening as scheduled. We’re fully prepared,” said Homeste Track President Guillermo Santa Cruzad me. He praised the efforts of firefighters and forestry officials, adding that while they monitored the situation, they were never in doubt about the races continuing.
Event organizers were busy making final preparations for the weekend’s races.
Among the Cup Series drivers competing is Denny Hamlin, who has three victories at the 1.5-mile track.
“Luck plays a role, but it’s not everything. We’ll put ourselves in a strong position to contend on Sunday,” Hamlin said.
Christopher Bell, who has already won three of the first five Cup races this season, is returning to a track where he has had both success and setbacks.
“My win at Homestead in 2023 was huge—it secured my spot in the final four. But early in my career, this track was also the site of several heartbreaking moments,” Bell admitted.
Saturday’s Xfinity race will include some local talent, such as Hollywood’s Brad Perez, who will be behind the wheel of the No. 45 Florida International University car.
“I first visited Homestead Speedway when I was five, back in 2002, and I immediately fell in love with racing. Without this track, I don’t think I’d be here today,” Perez shared.
Another South Florida native, Nick Sanchez from Homestead, will compete in the No. 48 Spiked Coolers car.
“My first race at this track was also when I was five. This place is where my love for racing began, so coming back to compete is truly special,” Sanchez said.
Given the ongoing brush fire, officials are advising attendees to stay updated on potential road closures.
“If you’re traveling from the Florida Keys, be aware that road closures have been happening intermittently in recent days,” Cruz warned. “If you’re coming from the south, you’ll likely face fewer issues, but checking traffic conditions is always a good idea.”
The race weekend kicks off on Friday at 8 p.m. with the Truck Series race.
On Saturday, the Ford Xfinity 300 will start at 4 p.m., followed by the weekend’s main event—the NASCAR Cup Series 400—on Sunday at 3 p.m.
Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb will serve as the Grand Marshal, leading the pre-race commands, including the iconic “Gentlemen, start your engines!”
With an action-packed schedule ahead, fans can look forward to an exciting weekend of racing.
