NASCAR Announces New Rotating Season Finale Structure
In a significant shift for the NASCAR championship format, the sanctioning body has confirmed a return to Homestead-Miami Speedway as the season finale in 2026, ending Phoenix’s six-year tenure as the title-deciding venue for all national divisions. This move initiates a rotating finale, with various tracks expected to host the championship in subsequent years.
NASCAR Executive Vice President Ben Kennedy emphasized the need for the finale to embody traditional NASCAR racing, focusing on intermediate and short tracks while ruling out superspeedways and road courses for the immediate future. "We want to ensure that there is a lot of strategy and that our championship drivers are contending for the victory," he stated, indicating a clear preference for familiar racing formats.
Kennedy addressed geographical concerns, acknowledging that venues like Michigan and New Hampshire might be less favorable due to potential weather issues in early November. "We’re looking at over 30 years of past weather history to limit risks of severe weather disruptions," he explained, highlighting the importance of fan accessibility and overall climate conditions.
Interestingly, Kennedy also noted that tracks outside NASCAR ownership, such as Las Vegas Motor Speedway, could be included in future considerations, stating, "Anything is on the table at this point." This openness suggests a strategic approach to expanding venue options.
In addition to the championship format updates, NASCAR plans to expedite its schedule reveal process moving forward. Kennedy aims to announce the 2026 schedule earlier than in previous years, with a standalone announcement for future championship locations to enhance fan engagement. "Our goal is to give this event its own moment in the spotlight, as we reimagine what the Championship Event looks like at Homestead-Miami Speedway," he concluded.
This new structure reflects NASCAR’s intention to evolve its championship format while maintaining a connection to its roots, ensuring a competitive and fan-oriented experience.
