HISTORY OF THE HOMESTAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY

Homestead-Miami Speedway has been a key venue in American motorsport for more than two decades. The idea for the track was first developed after Hurricane Andrew devastated the Homestead area in 1992. Local leaders wanted a major project that would help revive the community, attract visitors, and support long-term economic recovery. A new motorsport facility became a symbol of rebuilding.

Construction began soon after, and the speedway officially opened in 1995. The original layout was a rectangular oval inspired by Indianapolis, featuring sharp corners and long straights. While visually striking, it produced limited overtaking, and NASCAR drivers often described the racing as processional.

To improve the on-track action, the circuit underwent its first major redesign in 1997, rounding off the corners and giving the track a more traditional oval feel. A second, much larger reconfiguration followed in 2003, when progressive banking was added. This allowed drivers to use multiple racing lines and produced the fast, competitive racing the track is known for today.

Homestead-Miami Speedway quickly became one of NASCAR’s most important venues. From 2002 to 2019, it hosted the season finale for all three national series — the Cup Series, O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, and Truck Series — earning a reputation for dramatic championship showdowns under the Florida sunset.

The track has also welcomed other major motorsport categories, including IndyCar, IMSA, and various sports car events. Beyond racing, it serves the local community through charity events, driving experiences, and year-round fan activities.

Today, Homestead-Miami Speedway remains a fan favorite thanks to its warm weather, southern Florida atmosphere, and its fast, multi-groove 1.5-mile oval. Whether hosting the playoffs or the spring race, it continues to deliver the kind of close, hard racing that made it one of NASCAR’s most popular tracks.