NASCAR is back on its feet—or should we say wheels—kicking off the 2025 season with a roaring start. Last weekend’s Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum saw Chase Elliott take the checkered flag in the No. 9 Chevrolet ZL1 for Hendrick Motorsports.
Now, all eyes are on the biggest spectacle in stock car racing: the DAYTONA 500. The Great American Race brings heart-pounding action, a legacy of legendary battles, and a chance for drivers to put their names into history.
But after Daytona, the action doesn’t stop.
On March 23, the Straight Talk Wireless 400 brings NASCAR to South Florida’s iconic Homestead-Miami Speedway—a 1.5-mile track known for its great racing and sun-soaked atmosphere.
As anticipation builds, we had the chance to sit down (virtually) with Guillermo Santa Cruz, president of Homestead-Miami Speedway, to talk about what fans can expect this year in Homestead, how the sport is evolving, and why Miami’s vibrant culture is taking center stage.
NASCAR, But Make It Homestead-Miami
Homestead-Miami isn’t just a race—it’s an experience, and Santa Cruz is making sure of that.
“There are a few things we’re working on with the layout, the merch, and things like that to make everything a little bit more efficient,” he said. “We’ll be adding to that festive environment. It’ll make it easier for fans to grab their merch and jump right into the action.”
And let’s talk about food—because in Miami, it’s a big deal.
“We want to reflect Miami and Homestead with some really cool offerings while still keeping fan favorites,” Santa Cruz said, reassuring everyone that staples like chicken tenders, burgers, fries and hot dogs aren’t going anywhere.
One of the biggest changes? ‘El Barrio’—a new multicultural activation.
“We sit at a crossroads,” Santa Cruz said. “We’re NASCAR, full Americana—but at the same time, it’s Miami, so it needs that Latin flavor.”
Slowing Down and Soaking It In
For Santa Cruz, race weekend isn’t just about overseeing operations—it’s about connecting with fans.
“It’s like riding a rollercoaster,” he said. “The first time, it’s a little frightening. The second time, you get to enjoy it even more.”
This year, he’s looking forward to spending more time in the fan zone, soaking in the energy.
“When the race is going on, it’s full of people. They’ll see me, recognize me, come up, say hello,” he said. “It’s surreal and a lot of fun. This time, I want to be even better prepared and enjoy it just as much, if not more.”
NASCAR Goes Electric (At Least for Maybe Some Laps)
Another historic moment in NASCAR’s evolution happens on February 16, 2025, when the Chevrolet 2025 Blazer EV SS becomes the first-ever EV to pace the Daytona 500.
Santa Cruz acknowledges the shift: “I think in the long run, it’s going to evolve the sport in one form or another.”
The Speedway will also welcome electric racing this April with Formula E.
“It’s something that is going to happen,” he said. “How it’s going to co-exist with NASCAR? That part, I don’t know. But a future with EVs in racing competitions? I’m sure yes.”
The Countdown to Homestead-Miami Begins
With new fan experiences, a focus on Miami’s multicultural roots, and a nod to NASCAR’s evolving future, Homestead-Miami is gearing up for an unforgettable race weekend.
Mark your calendars for March 23—because this year, South Florida is where the action is.
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NASCAR Races at Homestead-Miami Speedway
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