As the 2019 Ford Championship Weekend concluded at Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend, the Speedway brought Miami flavors to the track. With new enhanced
fan experiences, which include dthe all-new iHeartMedia Fan Village and the
Infield Party at Ally Beach, the innovations present a little taste of the 305.
New in 2019 was the Wynwood style walls inside the
iHeartMedia Fan Village. The walls represent the
art culture of the Miami community that has risen in the last decade.
The Wynwood Art District in Miami has become known as
one of South Florida’s premier attractions. The Wynwood region in Miami is surrounded
by murals and paintings as well as one of the most popular fashion districts in
the United States.
Wynwood was previously the home to many Caribbean
immigrants at the end of the 20th century. Since then, the area has evolved and
is now home to more than 400 businesses as well as over 200 murals. NASCAR fans
got to see a glimpse of the artwork for the first time this weekend.
Homestead-Miami Speedway is South Florida’s epicenter
of racing but has always incorporated some sort of connection with art. Founder
Ralph Sanchez wanted to implement the South Florida culture to the Speedway. The
Speedway was painted with Art Deco colors and the color of the track’s walls is
Gay Greenstone, a color that was selected by Sanchez to make the cars look
faster and help the paint schemes standout.
Miami is known for its vibrant colors. Many of the
people that visit the region envision those colors, and in past decade there
have been a few examples of local Miami sports teams adding the colors to their
brand.
Recently, the Miami Heat began their “Miami Vice
Nights” campaign, implementing the popular Miami Vice colors into their
uniforms. The Miami Marlins rebranded with their “Our Colores” campaign which
also displays the popular Miami colors. Now, Homestead-Miami Speedway showcased
these vibrant shades at their beautiful facility.
Many artists including local, national, and
international painters, were at the Speedway displaying their talents. Much of
the artwork provided fans with paintings that tie to their South Florida roots.
An artist that made an appearance at Homestead-Miami
Speedway was Miami’s own Adam Atomik. Atomik grew up in Miami and is known for
his famous iconic orange character. The Miami native began painting that symbol
after the demolition of the Miami Orange Bowl in 2008 and has traveled to
several countries and left his stamp of the orange character.
Another artist who grew up in Sicily, Italy and now
lives in Miami is Claudia La Bianca. La Bianca, moved to Miami in 1997 and
seven years later after - her brother passed away - she applied to the New York
Film Academy. Coming from a family of artists, La Bianca now has a painting in
almost every corner of Wynwood, and she went from struggling to sell pieces to
selling them now for more than $4,000.
“I never thought I would create a mural at the NASCAR
track and I'm super extra excited and ready,” La Bianca said. “I relate to
NASCAR at another level, I feel in my work I'm like one of those NASCAR cars racing
and speeding for victory. Excuse my honesty, but I play to win and I'm ready to
rock the mural!”
For most of these artists, it was their first time promoting
their artwork during a NASCAR race weekend, as Homestead-Miami Speedway unveiled
the iHeartMedia Fan Village. Along with the beautiful artwork, this area featured
a video game trailer featuring NASCAR Heat 4 as well as a Hooters sports bar,
food stands, live music, and driver appearances on the new BIG 105.9
Entertainment Stage.
The Speedway continues to enhance the trend that other
sports are initiating and has added a more interactive fan experience to
their venue.
