Huh. I went to their web site expecting to find a utility that shows the view from each grandstand, so I could post a link to it for you. Most tracks have them, but apparently Homestead isn't one of them.
Do you have PIT passes or actual HOT passes? If you have pit passes, you'll have to leave the pit area once the race starts and you won't see anything else without a ticket. If you have hot passes (and if you'll excuse me, that's a bit unlikely), you'll be able to remain but unless you're a pit stop freak, you won't be able to see much of the race. So either way, you'll likely want a ticket. Row 18 is closer to the top of the grandstand than the bottom, so the view should be decent.
Wear your Jimmie Johnson gear.