March 4 “Drop-N-Drive”: Haitian Relief in Motion at Speedway

The general public will get to test the very grooves on which Grand-Am, IndyCar and NASCAR’s best all have pursued Championship glory.

Homestead-Miami Speedway—alongside partners Thunder Country 100.3, Grand-Am Racing, Florida’s Blood Centers and Keg South of Homestead—will kick Haitian earthquake-relief efforts into overdrive Thursday, March 4, with the Homestead-Miami Speedway “Drop-N-Drive.”

From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., donors are invited to enter the Homestead-Miami Speedway infield via the Turn 3 tunnel, head to Main Street to “Drop” Haitian earthquake-relief items and proceed to the Turn 1 oval entry and “Drive” their own vehicles on two guided laps encompassing both the Grand-Am road course (2.3 miles) and the NASCAR/IndyCar 18-to-20 degree variable-banked oval (1.5 miles).

Grand-Am drivers competing in the Saturday, March 6, “Grand Prix of Miami” will be on hand to meet fans and help with the collection effort. The world-class, sports-car drivers also will join Dougie Hitchcock of Thunder Country radio (100.3), who will be hosting a live broadcast of his popular “Octane Hour” motorsports show from the infield “Drop” area.

“As often is the case with natural disasters, donations tend to wane in line with a dulling of the media spotlight,” said Homestead-Miami Speedway President Matthew Becherer. “But with thousands of people still in need, we’re anxious to rev that effort back up by opening up to the general public the very grooves on which Grand-Am, IndyCar and NASCAR’s best all have pursued Championship glory. Help out Haiti, and we’ll open up THE Championship Track for some thank-you laps.”

Florida’s Blood Centers also will set up its operation at the Speedway to collect blood donations that benefit up to three individuals in need (minimum requirements: age 16; weight: 102 pounds); while Keg South of Homestead (27591 S. Dixie Highway; 305-248-0959‎) will serve as the post-event party, with food ($15 for 10 wings, domestic pitcher) and drink specials ($1.50 drafts, $7 domestic pitchers).

“There is such a strong Haitian community in South Florida, and it’s been really special to see the outreach so many South Floridians already have made on their behalf,” said Homestead-Miami President Becherer. “Thanks to all our partners—and especially the Grand-Am Sports Car drivers coming in extra early for the March 6 ‘Grand Prix of Miami’—we’re going to spike the Haitian  earthquake-relief effort even more with ‘Drop-N-Drive’ at Homestead-Miami Speedway.”

Suggested donation items include:
► Shelter: sheets, blankets, towels, tents, tarps
► Power: flashlights, batteries (D cells), candles, matches/lighters, lanterns/oil
► Medicine: rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, bandages, gauze, aspirin
► Hygiene: soap, deodorant, sanitizers, diapers, baby wipes, toothbrushes/paste
► Food: canned items (tab openings), milk, soup, tuna, rice, energy bars, bottled water

Directions:
From North: Turnpike south to Exit 6/Speedway Blvd./SW 137th Ave.; left 5 miles to Gate 18/infield;
From South: U.S. 1 north to Palm Dr.; right four miles to Speedway; follow signs to Gate 18/infield