NASCAR Updates: Homestead-Miami as Season Finale and ‘The Clash’ Evolution
In a recent teleconference, NASCAR confirmed Homestead-Miami Speedway will host the 2026 season finale, solidifying its importance in the series calendar. This announcement was accompanied by updates regarding ‘The Clash,’ the traditional exhibition race, which has undergone significant changes in recent years.
Initially an exhibition for pole-sitters at Daytona International Speedway, ‘The Clash’ was transformed in 2021 by relocating to the Daytona road course, and subsequently, to the LA Memorial Coliseum—a temporary circuit that invited all chartered teams. However, with the move back to Bowman Gray Stadium in 2025, NASCAR is signaling a return to its roots while stepping away from the lucrative Los Angeles market.
While there were discussions about taking ‘The Clash’ international, particularly with interest from São Paulo, Brazil, it appears that plans are on hold. Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s Executive Vice President, stated, "As far as next year goes, more than likely it will stay domestic… but I wouldn’t ever rule out international in the future." With interest in hosting an exhibition race abroad still alive, NASCAR remains focused on sustaining its domestic presence for the immediate future.
Bowman Gray Stadium has not been officially confirmed as the host venue for 2026; however, it remains the front-runner, bolstered by significant investments from NASCAR to prepare the venue for Cup Series standards.
For further developments, NASCAR continues to explore various options to enhance the series’ global reach while maintaining strong domestic foundations.
