I want to thank Denise Grant for putting this event together on such short notice and keeping everyone safe.  Denise is both an Event Coordinator in our Southeast Region as well as a Track Instructor.  I want to also thank Rafael Santoni, the founder of Tesla Owners South Florida, for getting the word out to his members to join us.  I should mention that our clubs are the only clubs in Florida officially recognized by Tesla.

The following article was written by Denise describing the fun.

Larry Chanin

President, Florida Tesla Enthusiasts

email: lfchanin@gmail.com

Website: teslaownersflorida.org

Facebook: Florida Tesla Enthusiasts

Each time is just like the first!  Having driven performance cars on the race track since the late '80s, there's nothing like the first time you pull off the track.J The smiles and exuberance are so contagious! You're filled with adrenaline and a sense of accomplishment! "I never thought I could do that!!!" "Wow…that was crazy!  Did you see….." "we were going 125mph" "that was so much fun!!" "Now I know how those NASCAR guys feel."

Driving on the race track never disappoints!  On Saturday, August 22, 2020, our club had a scheduled track time at Homestead - Miami Speedway.  This event was a fundraiser for the Speedway's charity for kids.  For $20 per car, our group was "paced" around the impressive oval for about 9-10 laps.  Who was that guy who got the extra lap in…LOL????

With 20 Teslas and about 40 excited Tesla owners, we gathered at Sonny's BBQ in Florida City at 11am. Since the Speedway is a distance for most folks, this is the right place to Supercharge and have refreshments. Sonny's is only providing outdoor service with covered patio and tent tables.  The service, as usual, was quick and offered a spot to gather our groups together.  At the track, we were screened for COVID-19 and instructed to wear face masks when outside our cars.

Fortunately, the track was a bit behind on the schedule.  This allowed a couple of cars who were delayed, to arrive in time for our 12:30 session.  After signing waivers and collecting money, (thanks for all the cash, it made the process much easier), we were directed to pit lane.

When our pace car led us out, we hit the track at over 70mph….this was going to be a fast session  Our first lap was tentative …as we learned how to make the left turns while leaning over towards the left. LOL, That was an interesting attitude J Then it was everyone driving where and how they chose!  Some drove high on the banking, and some stayed low.  Some folks hit 125 mph, and some remained comfortable around 80. 

No matter what you chose to do, the result was the same, "Wow, that was so much fun!" Finally, since no masks are needed in the car, what made this even more special was seeing so many genuine smiles on people's faces on the other side of the car windows!

We are looking forward to the next opportunity to drive the Speedway! Thanks to all who came out on the short notice! Thank you to Larry for getting the info out to all the Tesla Owners in the South region and helping organize.

Take Care and stay safe!

Denise Grant

Here's a great video produced by Rafael Santoni, also known as YouTuber TesLatino.

Here are some photos:

Denise Grant, Event Coordinator for Florida Tesla Enthusiasts, aka Tesla Owners Florida, with Rafael Santoni, founder of Tesla Owners South Florida.

All masked up at Sonny's BBQ.

Caravaning to the Speedway.

The winning ticket!

A little after 1:00 pm Denise leads the group onto the track with the temperature registering 100 degrees.

Are you a Tesla enthusiasts and feeling a bit of cabin fever during the pandemic?  If you're not a member, but would like to participate in our next Scenic Drive or a Virtual Meetup, please click on the Join Us menu item at the top of the page.

Larry Chanin

President, Florida Tesla Enthusiasts

Stay safe.