Where to stay near-ish to Homestead?

Hey gents,

Challenge Club Racing is definitely something I aspire to do, but right now I'm just getting started. I have my first races this August in Skippy cars at Homestead and was wondering if you guys had any advice on where to stay that would be good for me and the wife? Normally, the accommodations when racing aren't that big a deal for me, but since she is coming along I would like it to be nice for her and manageable for me. I know the first race of the season was at Homestead, so that is why I ask. Any recommendations?

Thanks a lot!

 

First question, what do you aspire to race in CCR? It's a blast! I stayed at the Courtyard this year for races. Newer, clean, nice. Miami is out of the question. 45 Min drive at minimum. There is another right next door right off the highway and 10 min drive to the track.

 

Thanks for the reply!

Honestly I have no idea! I just found out about it recently. I always knew of the Challenge series, and also that I can't afford it...for probably 10 years, or maybe never! ; )

I drive a Scud, so probably a 430 challenge? But right now, I don't want to own a racecar - trying to limit the unknown expenses. My goal is to do the next winter series with Skip Barber, then go from there. Right now, F1600 and F2000 looks interesting, but I like sports cars too and I have a feeling I might be the most competitive in those. So I am probably a few years out at a minimum.

I'd be totally down with the courtyard personally, but was hoping for something more upscale/spa-ish for the wife when I'm at practice, lapping, etc. It might just not work out though logistically. Miami does seem like a hike - especially because I'm there 4 days. Is there anything in between Miami and Homestead by chance or another area other than Miami I should look at? Thanks again.

 

I had the same issue the first time photographing the CART "Spring Training" sessions at
Homestead in 1997.

Had no idea where to stay or even begin looking but as it turned out, there is a Hamption
Inn suites hotel just down the road from the track which couldn't be any more convenient.

Hope this helps and good luck.

http://www.hilton.com/search/hp/us/fl/homestead/0/00000000000/0/0/0/0/30?wt.srch=1

BHW

 

I stayed in Miami Beach for last years CCR races and trust me it is TOO far and aggravating to drive everyday to track. Pick a nice place in South Miami or even better Coral Gables and you can get to track much easier

 

Coral Gables will still be a bit far, but as ArtNYC mentioned, Miami Beach is out of the question. Maybe try Kendall?

The hotels in Florida City, a couple of miles east of the track (US 1 and the Turnpike) - are very basic accommodations - older, motelish type places. No deluxe at all.

AirBNB has some condos down that way.

 

Hampton Inn in Homestead is where I normally stay; only maybe 5-10 minutes away from track and plenty of restaurants around. SCCA race next weekend; you'll see plenty of Formula race cars (F1600 and FC) along with a smattering of sports racers/sports cars.

Log In

 

I was thinking something like the Biltmore in coral gables to keep the lady happy and just deal with the drive to homestead.

 

How about going the other direction and getting a spot somewhere in the upper keys.

Sometimes sitting in a chair with your feet propped up sipping a cool drink in the shade while
staring at the crystal clear water can be just as nice as staying at a five star hotel.

 

Yes, I have a place near track

This is best hotel @ Homestead

 

Ok good posting...When I ran in the Rolex Series in 2008 we rented a waterfront home in Key Largo and it was fantastic! It was a quick and easy drive to the track

 

You guys rule! Thanks so much - more than I was expecting! I'm going to check out some of the places a bit south of Miami you mentioned and maybe even go south of Homestead as another mentioned. 30min drive is not a big deal...I did that when I was at NOLA. Also, these are all night sessions from 6-10PM, so managing my time and energy will be part of the challenge.

Thanks also to the gent who mentioned the races, but I'm actually in Pittsburgh, so not local. I'll be catching the F1600s, 2000s, Atlantics, etc when they come to the new, larger Pitt Race when it opens in July...I think they come rolling in shortly after, then come back in the fall.

Thanks again, and I'll be following the CCR. Good luck to all!