Rocker Lenny Kravitz, 'N Sync band member JC Chasez, NY Mets catcher Mike Piazza and the musical group Train -- not to mention some 80,000 fans -- helped downtown Miami shift into first gear this weekend at the inaugural Grand Prix Americas, PEOPLE reports.

Grand marshal Sofia Vergara, 30, the Latin bombshell who made her American acting debut in this year's "Big Trouble," easily got into the spirit. "I grew up going to the car races," she told PEOPLE. "My family and I went to races in Monaco and all over. So for me this is second nature." She also considered the race "very cool to be happening in Miami."

Miami resident Kravitz, 38, concurred, saying, "This is just great for the city. There is a great vibe happening here and a lot of excitement."

Kravitz, himself a racing fan, was there to cheer on longtime pal and participant Max Papis.

"Max is racing, and I'm here to support him," said Kravitz, though his presence didn't serve as the lucky charm Papis might have desired.

Cristiano de Matta ended up placing first in the main race and winning the championship title.