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A Guide To The Ford Championship Weekend At Homestead-Miami Speedway

American Airlines Arena
Source: American Airlines Arena

Professionals and enthusiasts of the racing world celebrate the end of racing season in mid-November with a trip to sunny (and still warm) South Florida. Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway has become a time-honored tradition for visitors and locals alike. NASCAR's top performers and crowd pleasers put on their competition best and demonstrate why the thrill and marvel of performance car racing is so captivating. Ford Championship Weekend has even attracted the likes of the First Lady of the United States as a Grand Marshall for the event.

American Airlines Arena
Source: American Airlines Arena

Homestead-Miami Speedway

1 Speedway Blvd.
Homestead, FL 33035
(305) 230-5000
www.homesteadmiamispeedway.com

American Airlines Arena Seating Guide
Source: www.TicketMaster.com

The Races

Ford Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway includes three national-division races:

  • NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Ford EcoBoost 200 – Friday, Nov. 16
  • NASCAR Nationwide Series Ford EcoBoost 300 – Saturday, Nov. 17
  • NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 – Sunday, Nov. 18

The three-day event features practices, qualifying rounds and ends with the big race each day.

The Fan-Focused Events

To enhance the NASCAR experience for excited and devoted fans, there are events separate from the races that offer exclusive access to parts of the professional area that are normally closed to the public.

  • Pre-Race Pit Pass: Purchase of this pass gives race goers access to the pit road, as well as the Frontstretch. This alone makes for fantastic photo ops. Fans also get to add their John Hancock to the Start/Finish sign and get an up-close view of the drivers during the pre-race ceremonies. (Purchase of the pass provides access both days of this event.)
  • Coke Zero Fan Zone: This event is centered on special treatment for NASCAR fans. Included in this event is a lunch buffet, an unlimited supply of Coca-Cola products and free beer coupons. Fans also get some interaction with the drivers during the Q&A session featuring the Coca-Cola racers. (Purchase of the Fan Zone ticket includes the Pre-Race Pit Pass.)
  • Race Day with Juan Pablo Montoya Q&A Session: This accomplished driver will sit down for a round of questions and answers provided by fans. Also included in this event is a ticket to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship, a Pre-Race Pit Pass and a Juan Pablo Montoya commemorative hat

Related: Best Mini Golf Courses In Miami 

The Schedule

Gates open at 10 a.m. Friday and Sunday and at 11 a.m. on Saturday (see website for admission policy). Attendees can watch practices and qualifying rounds for each of the three races during Ford Championship Weekend. Getting there early gets you a good seat to watch the pre-race ceremonies and introductions of the drivers on race day. Then there's the big race. Fans have the flexibility of starting their day when the gates open or just going to see the main event.

Friday, Nov. 16

NASCAR Nationwide Series Practice – 10 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Final Practice – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice – 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
NASCAR Nationwide Series Final Practice – 3:10 p.m. to 4:20 p.m.
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Qualifying – 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Gatorade Pole Qualifying – 6:10 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Pre-Race Ceremonies & Driver Introductions – 7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Ford EcoBoost 200 – 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 17

Pre-Race Pit Pass – 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Coke Zero Fan Zone – 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
NASCAR Nationwide Series Qualifying – 11:35 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice – 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Final Practice – 3 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.
Pre-Race Ceremonies & Driver Introductions – 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

NASCAR Nationwide Series Ford EcoBoost 300 – 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 18

Pre-Race Pit Pass – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Coke Zero Fan Zone – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Race Day with Juan Pablo Montoya Q&A Session – 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Pre-Race Ceremonies & Driver Introductions – 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 – 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Ticket Prices and Packages

Attendees can purchase tickets to attend one day of the weekend or purchase tickets for a two-day or three-day package. Some pricing may differ depending on seating choice, package level and included amenities.

Single-Day Tickets:

NASCAR Sprint Cup Ford EcoBoost 400: $65-$135/kids 12 & under half price
NASCAR Nationwide Ford EcoBoost 300: $40-$75/kids 12 & under half price in reserved seating; free in general admission seating
NASCAR Camping World Truck Ford EcoBoost 200: $35/kids 12 & under free

Two-Day Packages:

Two-Day Reserved Package: $70-$165
Two-Day Reserved & General Admission Package: $75-$140

Three-Day Packages:

Three-Day Package: $80-$190
Three-Day Reserved & General Admission Package: $90-$155
Three-Day Champions Club Package: $690
Three-Day Pit Box Package: $800
Three-Day Speedway Club Package: $39

American Airlines Arena Seating Guide
Source: www.TicketMaster.com

Parking

There are several designated sections of parking available and include the following:

  • General Parking
  • Champions Club
  • RV & Infield Tailgating
  • Park & Ride

Maps and directions are available on the Homestead-Miami Speedway website. Click this link to access it.

Camping

Attendees can enhance their experience at the Ford Championship Weekend by turning it into a camping trip. Onside RV lots will be open to campers beginning at 9 a.m. Wednesday, November 4 and close at 12 p.m. on Monday, November 19. To purchase RV space, a minimum of two race tickets are required. Here are the options:

  • Non-reserved RV space – includes one space for an RV, one tow vehicle space, access to tram service and around-the-clock security; Price: $295
  • Reserved RV space – requires an upgrade and includes added bonuses such as a welcome pack and daily newspaper delivery for the duration of the trip; Price: $375

Related: Best Indoor Batting Cages In South Florida

For nearly 20 years, Shawanda James has been actively involved in creative writing in Miami, Florida. In addition to her work as a freelance writer, she is actively seeking publication for her debut novel and collection of poetry. Her work can be found at Examiner.com

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