Despite ongoing brush fires in the area, authorities are not planning to cancel the NASCAR Homestead-Miami event this weekend. Fans, however, are upset and have urged NASCAR to reconsider.
Wildfires Spark Debate Over Homestead-Miami NASCAR Event
NASCAR has made it clear the show will go on, even as wildfires burn near Homestead. Authorities say only 30% of the fire is contained. Still, NASCAR plans to run the Truck, Xfinity, and Cup Series races this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Fans have raised serious concerns about going to the races with wildfires so close. Many are calling for a delay, like the 1998 Pepsi 400, which was postponed until the fall under similar conditions. So far, those concerns don’t seem to be changing NASCAR’s plans, even as smoke hangs over the 1.5-mile track.
I have a feeling this weekend will be postponed
— Scott Schell (@Scott_Schell) March 20, 2025
The fire broke out Monday afternoon in southern Miami-Dade County. Much like the wildfires that swept through California earlier this year, the flames have spread quickly across southern Miami and the Upper Keys. With no rain in sight, firefighters are working around the clock to contain the blaze.
Next week it's going to be hail.
— Nick (@Eat_A_W) March 20, 2025
Now, as race weekend gets closer, the fire is moving dangerously near Homestead-Miami Speedway.
That’s way more serious than I imagined. Praying for everyone affected. 🙏
— ananya.pasi (@shutananya) March 20, 2025
Despite the risk, NASCAR seems confident, as FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass tweeted:
“This wildfire is a few miles south of the track. It has not impacted preparations for the Homestead race weekend and the schedule is unchanged.”
This wildfire is a few miles south of the track. It has not impacted preparations for the Homestead race weekend and the schedule is unchanged. @NASCARONFOX https://t.co/rNzhTKayG9
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 19, 2025
But live video and images shared by FOX NASCAR’s Jamie Little tell a different story:
This is wild. Brush fires so close to the racetrack in Florida. Highway shutdown to The Keys. Hotel change for us. https://t.co/jCxDXh4KfT
— Jamie Little (@JamieLittleTV) March 20, 2025
It’s hard to believe NASCAR is moving forward, especially with the smoke affecting air quality. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue has already told visitors driving to the speedway to keep windows closed and set their air conditioning to recirculate. With several road restrictions already in place, the fire also threatens to cause serious traffic delays.
Back in 1998, the Pepsi 400 was supposed to run on the Fourth of July at Daytona International Speedway. Wildfires across Central Florida forced NASCAR to push the race to the fall. While this weekend’s situation may not be as bad yet, conditions could get worse fast.
It feels like history repeating itself, but this time NASCAR is sticking to its plans. With 46,000 fans expected at Homestead-Miami Speedway, it raises the question: Is NASCAR making the right call by racing this weekend? We’ll have to wait and see.