You’ll typically catch fast cars zipping up and down Homestead-Miami Speedway. But this weekend, the race track saw a literal change of pace.
The inaugural “Cruise & Groove” event included classic and muscle cars from the 1970s to the 2000s rolling up to the track for display. Event attendees eyed vintage autos while enjoying live music and food trucks.
“We are really into developing car culture at the track,” said Jennifer Melendez, Homestead-Miami Speedway’s director of marketing. “We fill the year with so many events that really lean into South Florida car enthusiasts.”
The event was deemed a success by crowds and is expected to make a comeback at the same time next year.
The Homestead-Miami Speedway. (Dylan Pezet/Caplin News)
While Homestead-Miami Speedway is known for its fast action, a slower-paced event entertained locals on Sept. 14. Many different cars, from a modern twist on a classic car to a 2023 Lamborghini STO, were brought to the famous track for a new event, the Cruise and Groove.
It brought both music and fun to Homestead residents and car enthusiasts. Food trucks served burgers and ice cream, while the South Groove Band played covers of classic rock music. But the cars were the star attractions.
Some unique cars included one with a Decepticons logo from the “Transformers” films. And another was a modern remake of a car from the 90s movie “Bullet” in which a character drives a 1968 Ford Mustang. The new car is still a Ford Mustang but with a modern design and movie references baked in like the paint job and the “Bullet” logo on the rear.
A modern Ford Mustang styled after the car from “Bullet.” (Dylan Pezet/Caplin News)
The event occurred from 6 to 10 p.m. The attendees viewed the cars and the owners proudly displayed them throughout the event.
“This is the first event of its kind,” said Jennifer Melendez, director of marketing at Homestead-Miami Speedway. “We are really into developing car culture at the track.”
Melendez said the event combined music and car culture for a fun, family-friendly opportunity.
One person who displayed his car was Andrew Porras, 18, who attends Somerset Academy Charter High. He showed off his 1990 Chevy 350 that he and his dad purchased for $500 a few years ago.
A 1990 Chevy 350, remodeled by Andrew Porras. (Dylan Pezet/Caplin News)
Since acquiring the truck, Porras has put a lot of time and money into it. He had it repainted dark blue and white, put a new bed and mirrors in it, and even had the interior redone. He said that when he drives his truck around town people wave at him.
“I get a lot of attention, just driving it,” said Porras. “Everyone looks at me, they all wave at me, it’s nice.”
Another person who came to the event was a local car enthusiast named Philip Manfredi. Manfredi stated that he frequently came to the racetrack to spectate the “Fast Lane Friday” events held at the track. He mentioned that his father often raced their family Kia Telluride at the event and set decent times. He also stated how his father taught him a lot about cars, which sparked a fire in him.
Overall, Manfredi enjoyed the event, saying,
“I’ve always liked cars.” Manfredi said, “They’re fast, they have cool designs and are varied.”
Admission for Cruise and Groove is $10 for adults, with free entry for children under 12. There is a car display fee of $5, and the event will return in 2025.
Melendez, the marketing director, encouraged car enthusiasts to return to the track. “The racetrack offers way more than just cars, for example, at our Nascar Playoffs Race.” She stated. “There’s entertainment, there’s music, there’s excitement.”
