Start Your Engines: Car Week Makes KB Debut

A Formula-One race car driven by Emerson Fittipaldi makes gathers a crowd of onlookers at the inaugural Biscayne Car Week, May 25, 2019 (Key News/Tony Winton)

It’s not every day that a Formula One race car, its engine gunning, traverses Crandon Boulevard, but at least there was little doubt about the skill of the driver.

Emerson Fittipaldi, after all, has won not one but two Indy 500s. And so it was over the weekend that traffic was closed, police gave an escort, and his race car drove onto West McIntyre Street to the oohs and ahhs of onlookers as Key Biscayne Car Week had its inaugural run.

“The best part was, the Village loved it,” said organizer Frances Reaves. But she was quick to praise Fittipaldi, a Key resident, who helped lead the show to raise money for charity: “This was Emerson’s baby.”

Key Biscayne Council Member Katie Petros, left, poses with former Indy 500 champion Emerson Fittipalid, along with Mayor Mike Davey and daughter Mia at Key Biscayne Car Week, May 25, 2019. (Key News/Tony Winton)

Reaves says about 700 people checked out all kinds of cars, from the winged Formula Ones to classics. Simulators let residents, including Crossbridge Church Senior Pastor Felipe Assis, test their skills.

“I tried it. I was spinning the all over the place,” Assis said.

“But the good news is you don’t crash,” said Fittipaldi, who described a near-death experience to Crossbridge congregants Sunday.

Afterwards, racing enthusiasts were invited to watch the Indy 500.

Reaves is already making plans for next year, saying the date will be pushed up to the last weekend of March — this year’s event was delayed by the Ultra Music Festival.

“We already have four new sponsors interested,” Reeves said.  

To support Key Biscayne Car Week’s charities, visit these links:

www.eternityandgrace.org

www.themiamiproject.org