HOMESTEAD, Fla. (March 12, 1999) - Homestead-Miami Speedway will begin a tradition its the March 19-21 weekend of racing by presenting a wreath of home-grown orchids to the winners of the Florida Dodge Dealers 400 and the Marlboro Grand Prix of Miami Presented by Toyota.

South Dade is quickly becoming the orchid capital of the continental United States, with the Homestead area the home of several of the world's premier orchid growers. Robert Fuchs of R.F. Orchids, one of the shining stars of the industry, will be in Victory Lane to present an orchid wreath to the winner of Saturday's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and Sunday's CART FedEx Championship Series season openers.

Much as the Kentucky Derby presents its roses and the Indianapolis 500 offers its bottle of milk, the orchid wreath, to be presented by other growers at future Homestead events, will symbolize victory at America's most beautiful speedway.

South Dade's orchid industry is the fastest-growing segment of the area's horticulture industry, and is blossoming into a multi-million dollar
business.
       
Tickets are now on sale, beginning at $10, for a full weekend of NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and CART FedEx Championship Series action. For additional information, call (305) 230-7223, or visit the Speedway's official web site, www.racemiami.com.