CHALLENGE NORTH AMERICA®- an organization led by athletes to help enhance race experiences for athletes and their families— has announced expansion efforts with an exciting new race to be held at the Homestead-Miami Speedway®. The CHALLENGE MIAMI™Triathlon Festival of events weekend will be held March 12-14, 2021 as the first premier event of 2021 at the NASCAR® track which is synonymous with many iconic moments in motorsports. The festival weekend also boasts $50,000 in prize money for professional athletes.
“We are thrilled to expand our family-friendly festival of events to South Florida at Homestead-Miami Speedway. We anticipate an awesome field of competition, “ said CHALLENGE NORTH AMERICA CEO, Bill Christy. We believe this will bring triathlon to a wider global audience and support the growth of safe, family-friendly racing. “
Christy adds, “Similar to CHALLENGE DAYTONA, CHALLENGE MIAMI includes many unique features which consist of three lakes, two beaches, a nursery as well as a 2.21-mile road course. The swim portion of the competition will take place on the infield spring fead lake which spans about a quarter mile. The true oval offers all athletes a flat and fast course, which will surely lead to memorable finishes and personal records. “
CHALLENGE FAMILY CEO Jort Vlam adds: “Bill Christy and his team proved with CHALLENGE DAYTONA how our motto #allabouttheathlete resonates in triathlon events. We see that the US market loves our athlete-oriented approach and we are looking forward on extending the CHALLENGE FAMILY series in North America. We are thrilled to announce that our next American race will be in Miami.”
“Homestead-Miami Speedway has a record of incredible race history from NASCAR, INDYCAR to Trans-Am, and Indy Light Series,” said Homestead-Miami Speedway President Al Garcia. “We are extremely excited to add human- powered racing with multisport to our track.”
Garcia adds, “Located just 35 minutes from Miami international Airport, our venue, is located in beautiful and vibrant communities of Miami-Dade County as well as the Florida Keys offer the perfect winter retreat for our out-of-state guests and staycations for our local Floridians. From impeccable beaches, to shopping, restaurants and entertainment, our community offers something for everyone.”
Pro athlete Andrew Starykowicz (USA) shares his excitement, , I’m looking forward to racing at one of the most unique speedways in the United States.”
Starykowicz adds, “The track has variable banking of 18-20 feet in addition to a true 1.5-mile oval with 2.21-mile road course. Whether you are a professional or everyday athlete, this will be an epic race experience.”
The CHALLENGE MIAMI Festival weekend will include a wide array of events catering to athletes of all ages and abilities. The event weekend is anticipated to host the following events:
Middle Distance Triathlon, Duathlon and Aquabike
Sprint Distance Triathlon and Duathlon
Junior Challenge kids’ race
Pro Am Relay Race
5K/10K run/walk events
Relay categories
CHALLENGE MIAMI Professional race the “Miami Distance”
The top Middle Distance™ Triathlon age group will qualify for entry in THE CHAMPIONSHIP, to be held in May 2021 and May, 2022 at the x-bionic sphere in Samorin, Slovakia.
Registration for the event will open October 1, 2020 at www.Challenge-Miami.com
About CHALLENGE NORTH AMERICA
CHALLENGE NORTH AMERICA is led by athletes to enhance race experiences for athletes and their families. Our mission is to advance the sport with family-friendly, professionally managed and family inspired races for all ages and all race abilities. CHALLENGE NORTH AMERICA is extending the legacy of CHALLENGE FAMILY to the North American triathlon market. With the experience of almost 40 full and middle distances in 26 different countries, CHALLENGE NORTH AMERICA has founded a new hallmark event at the iconic Daytona International Speedway®, home of “The Great American Race®”—the DAYTONA 500®.
About Homestead-Miami Speedway
Homestead-Miami Speedway has been open since 1995 following an initiative to spur economic recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. The 650-acre facility that features a 1.5-mile oval in addition to a 2.21-mile road course. The Speedway hosts on-track events nearly 300 days per year. The Speedway hosted the championship races in all three of NASCAR’s national series from 2002-19.