A wildfire burning south of Homestead-Miami Speedway this week sent plumes of smoke across Miami-Dade County, raising alarms among NASCAR fans ahead of this weekend’s triple-header event. While the blaze forced road closures and disrupted local traffic, officials confirmed the races would proceed as scheduled.
The fire, first reported Monday afternoon, triggered a shutdown of Card Sound Road and cast a haze over nearby areas. But with winds shifting smoke toward the Everglades, NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass assured attendees that the track remains untouched—and the show will go on.
Wildfire Proximity and Homestead-Miami Track Preparedness
The blaze broke out a few miles south of Homestead-Miami Speedway, close to the intersection of U.S. Highway 1 and Card Sound Road. By Tuesday morning, dense smoke had led to temporary road shutdowns and slashed visibility for commuters, though the speedway avoided direct damage. NASCAR officials doubled down on their readiness, confirming Craftsman Truck, Xfinity, and Cup Series events would kick off without delays.
Pockrass, a seasoned motorsports journalist, amplified a National Weather Service Miami alert detailing the fire’s location and confirming no operational disruptions.
“This wildfire is a few miles south of the track,” he wrote. “It has not impacted preparations.”
Firefighters prioritized containing the flames near critical roadways and neighborhoods, with no structures currently at risk.
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
Homestead-Miami Speedway’s position, 31 miles southwest of downtown Miami, proved advantageous. While Card Sound Road stays closed, U.S. Highway 1 remains open, giving fans a clear path to the track.
Weather Forecast and Historical Precedents
Dry, breezy conditions fueled the fire’s spread, but forecasts paint a rosy picture for race weekend. Friday’s Truck Series opener will see mild 75°F temperatures with near-zero rain chances. Saturday’s Xfinity race heats up to 78°F, while Sunday’s Cup finale peaks at 81°F under scattered clouds, ideal for racing.
NASCAR isn’t new to fire-related curveballs. The 1998 Pepsi 400 at Daytona, for instance, was rescheduled to October after wildfires engulfed the region. But Homestead’s scenario differs significantly.
“The schedule is unchanged,” Pockrass stressed, highlighting the fire’s safe distance from the facility.
According to the National Weather Service, shifting winds are steering smoke away from populated zones. Track officials have emergency plans ready but stress that no immediate threats loom. For now, the only smoke fans need to fear is tire burnouts on Turn 4.