Ralph-Sanchez-Obituary

Ralph Sanchez

Obituary

MIAMI (AP) - South Florida businessman Ralph Sanchez, who founded the Grand Prix of Miami and Homestead-Miami Speedway, has died. He was 64.

Speedway officials said that Sanchez passed away Monday morning following prolonged health problems.

"It's difficult to underestimate the impact Ralph Sanchez had on motorsports in South Florida," speedway president Matthew Becherer said. "Through the Grand Prix of Miami race that was originally run downtown, he put the region on the global sports map years before the Heat, Marlins and Panthers. Also considering that Sanchez leaves this community with a world-class venue that hosts championship races, his legacy will live on."

Sanchez, a native Cuban, was sent to Miami alone as a child in the early 1960s. His father was concerned, because Sanchez had been recruited to help forces fighting Fidel Castro's new regime.

Sanchez initially lived with an aunt and uncle in Miami before the couple moved to Nicaragua. Sanchez then lived in a Catholic orphanage until he turned 18. His parents, his brother and grandmother joined him in Miami in the late 1960s. Sanchez eventually went on to earn an accounting degree from Florida Atlantic University and to become a successful land developer.

Sanchez founded the Grand Prix of Miami in 1983. The International Motor Sports Association race was held downtown until 1993.

After that, Sanchez worked with Homestead and Miami-Dade County officials to build the speedway. The project broke ground in August 1993, exactly one year after Hurricane Andrew wiped out much of Homestead.

The track is credited with being a major catalyst for redevelopment following the Category 5 hurricane that leveled large portions of Miami-Dade County. The speedway hosted its first NASCAR race in November 1995.

Al Garcia, the vice president for operations at Homestead-Miami Speedway and the longest tenured track employee, worked for Sánchez s tarting in 1984.

"He was charismatic, yet tough as nails," Garcia said of Sanchez. "Above all, Ralph was very loyal. You have to give him credit for pursuing his dreams in racing and forgoing what had been to that point been a lucrative career as a developer. I am very proud to have known Ralph and to have worked alongside him."

Sanchez is survived by his wife Lourdes, daughter Patricia and son Ralph Jr.


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Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Ralph,I knew you when you, Lois Sereix, Tico Alameida got Cuban involvement started in road racing at Miami Hollywood with the ACALAM club. Miss you buddy!!

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Tio, I think about you everyday of my life. I love you today and always. May you look over me. Thank you for everything. I LOVE YOU

Ralph, in the early 80s I was a high school kid working in your neighborhood gas station. You used to drive in in your red Porsche 911 or with Lourdes in her BMW 735. While I was gassing up your cars for you would tell me racing stories. You knew I was true gearhead and racing fan. One day you told me about the inaugural Miami Grand Prix and you invited me and some of my buddies to be a part of it. You set us up to promotion work before and during the race. We would pick posters, decals and...

Ralph was a great friend to us of us and ralph you will always remember my mom , my dad and i
in our lives . allen

Ralph was one of the true "good guys" of South Florida. His integrity, genuineness and honesty were his best qualities. South Florida has lost a great visionary. I was privileged to have worked for him. Oscar I. Marti

Ralph you were a great friend and I thought the world of all your success. I think of all the great times at g.willakers and yesterdays restaurant and seeing you days before your passing at the mai kai, one of your favorite places. I'm going to miss your smiling face and your true friendship of 35 years, your friend always, thanks for being mine.

Ralph, you will always be remember for your honesty and integrity in South Florida. You have left your mark and your legacy in our community. You will always be remember as a legend. Your family will always be proud and always in their hearts and in the hearts of everyone that you have come in contact with. Your dreams, aspirations and acheivments will be hard to follow, but you have set the example for others to try. To the Sanchez family, may his memories be eternal.