Monday, December 29, 2014

CHUMPCAR 24-HOUR RACE RINGS IN NEW YEAR

CHUMPCAR 24-HOUR RACE RINGS IN NEW YEAR AT
HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY

MIAMI – Homestead-Miami Speedway is ringing in the New Year the only way it knows how – by racing cars on track for a 24-hour race.

The ChumpCar World Series will be held at Homestead-Miami Speedway December 31, 2014 through January 1, 2015. ChumpCar is North America’s home for real, affordable and competitive road racing. ChumpCar was developed for gear-heads; for people who love driving and driving fast. The cars will run in an endurance race lasting 24 hours.  The competition gets underway at 12:01 am on December 31 and concludes at 12:01 am on January 1.  Registration is from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm on Tuesday, December 30.

Similar to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, ChumpCar places emphasis on racing. Based on the official rules, participants can only enter a car with a point calculation of 500. If the point calculation of the vehicle is less than 500, additional points may be spent on performance parts, as long as the total point calculation of vehicle plus performance parts does not exceed 500.

This point calculation excludes required safety equipment, as well as maintenance and replacement of wear items with OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or OEM-equivalent parts. No credit is given toward the point calculation of the vehicle for selling removed parts. Vehicles with a point calculation in excess of 500 are allowed to compete with penalty laps subtracted from their total.

The team that completes the most laps net of penalty laps is the winner.


More information on the event, including how to enter a team, is available at www.ChumpCar.com

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Thank You, Race Fans

THANK YOU, RACE FANS.

From all of us here at Homestead-Miami Speedway, we want to thank you for yet another outstanding Ford Championship Weekend. Without you, this new Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup format and the Championship Round would not have been possible, and we are thrilled that you were here to witness Kevin Harvick’s first win at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship title.

We hope you enjoyed the beautiful weather, and all of the exciting and fun fan areas that Homestead-Miami Speedway had to offer. With the spectacle being broadcast to more than 200 countries in 24 languages, fans from around the world were able to watch the thrilling racing with you this past Sunday at the Ford EcoBoost 400.

History was made once again at Homestead-Miami Speedway, as three new champions were crowned. Matt Crafton became the first back-to-back NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion on Friday night. Chase Elliott claimed the title as the youngest Champion in a NASCAR National Series on Saturday. And it all concluded with the crowning of a new NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion, and Ford EcoBoost 400 winner, Kevin Harvick.

We also want to thank you for making your way to the frontstretch for our amazing pre-race show. Between Jason Aldean, DJ Irie, Caleb Johnson and the flyover, Homestead-Miami Speedway was the place to be in South Florida on Sunday. Dozens of celebrities descended on Homestead-Miami Speedway for the Ford EcoBoost 400, including NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, 2014 American Idol winner Caleb Johnson, legendary voice of the UFC Bruce Buffer, and rapper and South Florida native Flo Rida, and we hope you enjoyed the weekend as much as they did.


Again, thank you for making the 2014 Ford Championship Weekend a success. Without you, this weekend wouldn’t be possible, and we look forward to the future and hosting the 2015 Ford Championship Weekend, November 20-22, 2015. Have a great holiday season.

Championship Cup Series Motorcycle Racing Finale


It was another weekend of championships at Homestead-Miami Speedway, as the speed machines went from four wheels to two, and the Championship Cup Series (CCS) Motorcycle racing finished out the 2014 season.

Racing at tracks along the east coast from New Hampshire to Homestead-Miami Speedway, CCS has a season nearly as long as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. Beginning at Homestead-Miami Speedway in February, the season has more than 29 race weekends before the finale heads back to South Florida in December for the championship races.
More than 500 riders participated in the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway this past weekend, with 32 of the 45 classes deciding their champions. In the Expert GTO class, Boca Raton’s Stefano Mesa took home the gold medal aboard a Suzuki 1000. South Florida natives also took places 2-5 in the Expert GTO class, with Sean Dwyer from Palm Beach Gardens placing second, Bruno Silva from Miami placing third, Armando Ferrer from Tamarac placing fourth and Felipe MacLean from Miami placing fifth.

Miami’s own Ryan Cabrera also took the title in the Amateur SuperSport Unlimited race aboard a Suzuki 600 winning by only 0.295 seconds. Greg Metka, a Tampa native, took the title in the Expert SuperBike Heavyweight title aboard a Yamaha 600.


The Championship Cup Series will take a break for the holidays, with the 2015 season beginning right back at Homestead-Miami Speedway February 14-15. 



Below: #37 Stefano Mesa leading #9 Sean Dwyer and #1 Bruno Silva through turn six during the first race of the day (Expert GTO)

These three riders were also on the podium for the final race of the day, the Unlimited Grand Prix (Shootout).

Photo Credit: Lisa Theoblad

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

CELEBRITIES DESCEND ON HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY FOR FORD ECOBOOST 400



CELEBRITIES DESCEND ON HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY FOR
FORD ECOBOOST 400

HISTORY WITNESSED BY SOLD OUT CROWD, INCLUDING MICHAEL JORDAN

MIAMI – Big events typically attract more than their fair share of notable celebrities.  And today’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship Race at Homestead-Miami Speedway – the Ford EcoBoost 400 – was no exception.  The race, won by Kevin Harvick in the No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing car, was attended by numerous prominent personalities in the sports and entertainment world.  The parade of celebrities was led by NBA Hall of Famer, six-time World Champion and five-time league MVP Michael Jordan.

Before the race even began, fans in attendance were treated to a pre-race performance by country music star Jason Aldean.  Aldean’s appearance consisted of five songs, including the hit single “My Kinda Party,” which was Aldean’s tenth Top 10 single and peaked at No. 2.  Caleb Johnson, the 2014 American Idol winner, sang the National Anthem while Bruce Buffer, the legendary voice of UFC, introduced the Championship 4 drivers during pre-race festivities.  In addition, rapper Flo Rida, a South Florida native, served as the Honorary Starter in Saturday’s Ford EcoBoost 300.

The following are some of the other personalities in the sports and entertainment industry who were among a sold-out crowd that witnessed history today at Homestead-Miami Speedway:

Name                                     Role
Cowboy Cerrone                UFC Fighter
Gavin Degraw                    Musician, Singer-Songwriter
Juan Pablo Galavis              TV Personality, The Bachelor On Hit ABC Show
Courtney Hansen                American Television Host/Personality
DJ Irie                              DJ
Jarvis Landry                     Wide Receiver, Miami Dolphins
William Levy                      Cuban-American Actor
Jake Owen                        American Country Music Artist
Bobby Parnell                    Pitcher, New York Mets
Jeremy Shockey                 Former University of Miami/NFL tight end


Tuesday, October 28, 2014

The List: Top 5 NEW Additions to Ford Championship Weekend


1. Country superstar, Jason Aldean, brings his most recent hit record “Old Boots, New Dirt” to the stage at Homestead-Miami Speedway for a special performance before the Ford EcoBoost 400! Be there: http://bit.ly/HMSJABlog
2. The early bird gets the … official Championship Souvenir. The first 15,000 fans into the gate will receive a rally towel to help remember the excitement long after the checkered. Don’t forget your tickets: http://bit.ly/Ford400Blog
3. If you liked Big Air Triples last year, you’ll love the Monster Energy Snowmobile performances on Saturday and Sunday. Hey, it’s not that often you get to see snowmobiles in Miami! Get in on the action: http://bit.ly/HMSSched
4. Share the NASCAR love. No, really, check out NASCAR’s one-of-a-kind Social Wall all three days in the display area and get engaged in a big way, literally. Follow us on Twitter for updates: http://bit.ly/TweetMiami
5. Entertainment. All. Weekend. Long. There will be bands and movies nonstop in the RV park. Boredom is not an option: http://bit.ly/HMSSched

Sunday, October 12, 2014

The List: Top 6 Reasons to Bring Your Wife & Kids


NASCAR is a family affair! Kids 12 & under get into the General Admission sections for the Friday and Saturday races for FREE and HALF-PRICE in the Reserved Grandstand sections on Saturday and Sunday. We can’t think of a better babysitter than Dale Jr … can you? Purchase tickets online: http://bit.ly/Ford400Blog
You may never have the chance to ask Jimmie Johnson that burning question you’ve always wanted to ask, but your kid can! Johnson will be hosting a kids Q&A session on Sunday before he hits the track to chase his 7th championship crown. Space is limited, so act fast: http://bit.ly/HMSJJBlog
Jason Aldean. Enough said. Get up close and personal: http://bit.ly/HMSJABlog
Tent camping is the ultimate family pastime. Campsites open Wednesday, November 12 and this year we're bringing live entertainment to the campground to keep the party going! Stake your claim: http://bit.ly/HMSTTixBlog
The Coke Zero Fan Zone festivities. While you enjoy an ice cold beer in the shade, your wife and kids can indulge in a complimentary buffet, enter for a chance to win door prizes & gifts, and even take part in Q&A sessions with Coco-Cola Racing Family of Drivers. Buy now, then sit back and relax: http://bit.ly/HMSCZTixBlog
Plenty of healthy competition. Homestead-Miami Speedway invites you to the ultimate cornhole tournament. You’ll need the wife and kids to cheer you on! The Tailgate Giant Cornhole Championship starts Thursday and goes all weekend long. Register: http://bit.ly/HMSCTixBlog

MILES2MIAMI: Charlotte


Monday, September 22, 2014

MIAMI 101: Your Interactive Guide to Homestead-Miami Speedway

Scroll over the interactive map to learn more about Ford Championship Weekend and view memorable moments
from around Homestead-Miami Speedway!
 
>> BUY RACE TICKETS

Friday, August 29, 2014

2014 Homestead Burger Brawl

After we crown the NASCAR Nationwide Series Champion on November 15, make sure you head downtown to the 2014 Homestead Burger Brawl!


Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Pit Crews Making the Difference

By: Matt Becherer

As in any sport, NASCAR races are won based on a number of factors. Air temperature and the condition of a racecar can be important determinants in the outcome in a race. However, the strategy is one of the most important dominating factors in the road to Victory Lane.

Whereas most sports entities have playbooks to determine their strategy on how to win a game, NASCAR drivers have to utilize their pit crews, spotters and crew chiefs in their quest for a checkered flag. We see it every weekend, and usually the length of the track is the number one factor when laying out a pit strategy. Strategy worked in favor of Aric Almirola, who was in the right place at the right time when he was leading the field as the red flag came out for rain at the Coke Zero 400 in Daytona in July.

We saw it again at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in July, yet in a different form. Similar to football teams using large cards with pictures on it to alert players of the play, Brad Keselowski and crew chief Paul Wolfe used a cryptic language over the radio to determine their pit strategy. The result: a third win and a guaranteed spot in the Chase for Keselowski, the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion.

Before delving into the mechanics of a pit stop, it is first important to know who is allowed over the wall and what job they may have when a car comes down pit road.

A full-blown pit stop usually consists of changing four tires, adding a full tank of fuel, wiping the grill clean and making minor adjustments to the car. However, not everyone on the pit crew can go over the wall. NASCAR only allows six crew members to work on the car, and they can usually complete this in 12 seconds.

So who are the crew members that determine how a car will run? There are 12 altogether, but strategy is implemented to determine the six who will make the adjustments to deliver a winning racecar to the driver.

To start, there are two tire carriers and two tire changers, each designated to either the front or rear tires. The tire carriers will bring the new tires over the wall to the tire changers, and the tire changer will use an air-powered impact wrench to remove and replace the five lugnuts. Next, there is a jackman, who operates a 20-pound hydraulic jack that raises the car on both sides, one at a time, for tire changes. Lastly, there is a gas man, who usually is the strongest of the team. While the tire carriers, tire changers, and jackman are replacing the tires, the gas man empties two 12-gallon dump cans of fuel - each weighing in at 81 pounds - into the car.

Although the primary six pit crew members over the wall are those mentioned above, there is also a support crew member, an extra man, and a NASCAR official to provide support to the drivers and their teams. The support crew member assists the tire changers and carriers by rolling them the tires, handing the gas man the fuel and retrieving air hoses and wrenches. Should a driver be involved in an accident, or have problems with their car, it is at the discretion of NASCAR to allow an extra man over the wall to clean the windshield and assist a driver if necessary. NASCAR also has an official to ensure that pit-lane is safe and also watch for rules violations.

In addition to the six members going over the wall, the remaining three crew members behind the wall act as the coaching staff of the team. There is a car chief, a crew chief and an engineer. The car chief and crew chief work closely together to figure out setups and execution of adjustments to the car based on feedback from the driver. The crew chief assumes responsibility for race strategy, as well as actions of the driver, car owner and team member. An engineer calculates the exact setup of a car, including precisely how each shock should be built, which springs should be used and what tire pressures will be best.

Lastly, there’s one member to add to the team who acts as the eyes in the sky. Known as the spotter, this individual uses a two-way radio to talk with the pit crew, as well as the team’s owner, and stands atop a building to look over the track and communicate to the driver what cars are around them, as well as other essential race information.

So, the next time you see a driver in Victory Lane, take note of the 12 men standing behind him. The contributions of a pit crew cannot be overlooked, and their performance is just as important as a driver’s performance on race day.


Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Fast Lane Friday Photos - August

Thank you to all who came out to August's Fast Lane Friday!! Here are a few pictures of the night. 

>> Share your photos with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram using the hashtag #FastLaneFriday.

Monday, July 28, 2014

RACE RECAP - Indianapolis Motor Speedway


Next Fast Lane Friday - August 1

We have high hopes that the weather will be as beautiful as ever, but here is how to keep in touch for weather information and all our #FastLaneFriday updates!
Sign up for our Homestead-Miami Speedway email list: Click Here
Sign up for our texting program: Text HMSFLF to 69050
Follow us on Social Media

And make sure to tag your photos with #FastLaneFriday! Here are some from last month:

Monday, July 7, 2014

Driver Spotlight: Aric Almirola

Photo credit: Chris Graythen, Getty Images Sport
Aric Almirola made history in several different ways with his win at the Coke Zero 400 on Sunday, July 6. Not only was this Almirola’s first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career win, but he also has virtually guaranteed a spot in the 16-driver grid in the NASCAR Chase For The Sprint Cup under the new format.

To add to his successful day, Almirola brought the No. 43 car - most recognized for being driven by Richard Petty, who ran all but 60 of his record 1,185 starts and claimed 192 of his record 200 wins in the car - to Victory Lane on the 30th anniversary of Petty’s 200th, and final, NASCAR Cup win.

There was no shortage of excitement for the Tampa native, driver of the No. 43 Ford Fusion, who along with earning his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory, also became the first driver of Cuban-American descent to win a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

Growing up, Almirola grew up watching numerous races at Daytona International Speedway. His journey to Victory Lane began when he was 8, and he has raced everything from go-karts to super late models to trucks in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and cars in the NASCAR Nationwide Series before receiving a life changing phone call in 2012. It was then that he received a call from Richard “The King” Petty to take the wheel of the No. 43 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car.

It was no easy road to Victory Lane on Sunday, as Almirola weathered the storms on Sunday after rain postponed the originally-scheduled Saturday night Coke Zero 400. He came out on top after two multi-car wrecks at the 2.5-mile superspeedway, and was at the front of the pack when the red flag came out on Lap 112 of 160 due to storms in the area.

With that, Almirola earned his first victory, and could be driving his way to his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway in November.


THE RECAP - DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY


Tuesday, July 1, 2014

A Letter from the President

To the Homestead-Miami Speedway Community,

In 2002, NASCAR made a major change of event when they decided to crown all three of its national touring series champions at the same track on the same weekend, making history among stock car racing competitors and fans nationwide. When Homestead-Miami Speedway was declared the track to host all three championships – we knew we had an opportunity to create a world-class event that would be memorable for both the fans and drivers alike.

It was only fitting that we have the perfect sponsor to carry out the new championship weekend – and with the addition of Ford Motor Company, Ford Championship Weekend was born. 

Through the success of Ford Championship Weekend, we were able this past weekend to announce an extension of the contract to continue Ford Championship Weekend for five more years, marking one of the longest weekend sponsorships in NASCAR.

Overall, we have you, the fans, to thank for this. Without your help and support of Homestead-Miami Speedway, Ford Championship Weekend would not exist. Whether it’s the best-in-class midway display provided by Ford, the celebrities at each race weekend, the collaboration surrounding our pre-race show including the iconic Ford Mustangs, or the Ford pick-ups pulling the American flag down the frontstretch at the conclusion of the National Anthem; there is no denying that Ford Championship Weekend delivers a first-class experience.

We can’t wait to host another championship weekend this November, and continue Ford Championship Weekend for another five years. Homestead-Miami Speedway is truly a driver’s track, giving drivers the ability to put their cars anywhere they want between the white line and the wall, which is evidenced by the fact that rubber is on the track from entry to exit in Turns 1 and 2, and in Turns 3 and 4. This makes it the perfect track for a winner-take-all format for a championship. Hold on to your seats, because you are not going to want to miss this in November.









Matthew Becherer, Homestead-Miami Speedway President

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Ford Championship Weekend Trivia



Thursday, June 5, 2014

Wash 'N Ride 700

We can’t thank you all enough for joining us for the 2014 Wash N Ride for a Cause, or better known to our staff as the “Wash ‘N Ride 700”. Calculating miles per gallon, gas tank size and distance of the laps, one of our Ford F250 pace trucks did about 686 (give or take 14) laps around the track last Saturday -- AND with our rotating pace car system, that specific truck didn’t even go out with every group.

Many positive messages are flooding our outlets saying we should do it again soon…and to answer you all, we are looking into it! Truth is: our whole company has as much fun with the event as you do. You probably weren’t aware, but one of those F250s guiding you around the turns was driven by none other than our track President, Matthew Becherer. Those guys washing your cars? Well, they were our Vice Presidents, Shawn McGee and Al Garcia. Whether it was our corporate partnerships team helping staff the satellite gift shop, or our media relations intern loading our iPod for your listening pleasure; all of our staff joined in on some capacity.

In the 10 hours we were open, the event raised nearly $10,000 - a record amount for any of our fundraising events. The money will be split between our charitable arm, Driving for a Cause, as well as the Miami Children’s Health Foundation.

In total, we had more than 400 cars come through our gates to drive the track. Meaning more than 400 people got to experience the thrill of driving on the 18-20 degree banking that usually only the race car drivers get to feel. (Yes we are taking into consideration those kind individuals that bought another lap to let their spouse drive. You rock.)

We hope you do come back for our big NASCAR weekend in November because even though you aren’t in a race car, you can smile knowing exactly what the NASCAR stars are seeing as they venture the course.

You tell us: What was your favorite part of the event? 


Friday, May 30, 2014

Formula DRIFT - Thursday

This weekend's event is amazing, but the photos we are finding are even better! Check out some of our favorites below and be sure to tag your photos!

 #FDmia
@HomesteadMiami





Thursday, April 24, 2014

Next Fast Lane Friday - May 2

Fast Lane Friday isn't just a new name, each month we are adding new aspects to make it a new event! 
Join us May 2 and experience the excitement for yourself!

New for May:

Kids under 12 are FREE
Fast Lane Friday should be for the whole family, so bring your kids!


Check out some photos from the last #FastLaneFriday!