For the first time in three months, a live professional sporting event will take place in South Florida when NASCAR makes its way to Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend.
What's more: There will be a small number of fans in the grandstands, a first for any sporting event that has taken place since the ongoing coronavirus pandemic initially put sports at a standstill in mid-March.
NASCAR announced Tuesday that up to 1,000 South Florida service members will be honorary guests for Sunday's Dixie Vodka 400, the NASCAR Cup Series race and the final of four overall races at the racetrack this weekend. They will represent the Homestead Air Reserve Base and U.S. Southern Command in Doral. The race starts at 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
"The ability to host guests for the Dixie Vodka 400 is an important step in the return of live sporting events across the globe," Homestead-Miami Speedway President Al Garcia said in a statement. "The opening of our track 25 years ago was a sign of hope following the devastation in South Miami-Dade County as a result of Hurricane Andrew in 1992. Today we are privileged and feel a deep sense of responsibility for the same chance during these challenging times. Having South Florida service members at our race is a true honor, and is very symbolic as we begin to have guests back at our NASCAR events."
According to NASCAR's release, all guests attending the race will be screened before entering, required to wear face coverings and maintain 6 feet social distancing. They also will not have access to the infield, among other revised operational protocols.
"Miami-Dade County is proud to be the site of the return of NASCAR following COVID-19 closures across the nation earlier this year," Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said. "Sunday's race is a fitting tribute to our South Florida service members representing the Homestead Air Reserve Base and U.S. Southern Command. By following the public health protocols as we continue moving to a New Normal, NASCAR is ensuring that our military members and their families can enjoy the race in a safe way."
The Dixie Vodka 400, which was originally scheduled for March 22, will be the eighth NASCAR Cup Series race since the season resumed May 17. The first seven _ two each at Darlington Raceway and Charlotte Motor Speedway, one each at Bristol Motor Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway, and Wednesday's race at Martinsville Speedway _ have all been held at empty tracks.
Homestead-Miami Speedway will also host three additional races this weekend, two with the sport's Xfinity Series (Saturday at 3:30 p.m., Sunday at noon) and one for the Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series (Saturday at 7:30 p.m.). No fans are allowed at those three races.
"We have tremendous respect and appreciation for the responsibility that comes with integrating guests back into our events," NASCAR executive vice president of chief operations and sales officer Daryl Wolfe said. "We believe implementing this methodical process is an important step forward for the sport and the future of live sporting events. The passion and unwavering support of our industry and fans is the reason we race each weekend and we look forward to slowly and responsibly welcoming them back at select events."
