On a teleconference held recently, NASCAR shared important updates regarding the future of its season finale, introducing a rotating championship format that will change the host venue annually. As part of this new approach, NASCAR is focused on selecting tracks that provide an engaging racing experience, favorable weather conditions in early November, and are located in appealing markets. A critical factor in this decision-making process is ensuring that the chosen venues align with the overall structure of the racing calendar, steering clear of what they describe as ‘wildcard’ tracks.
Earlier in the day, NASCAR announced that the Homestead-Miami Speedway will be the venue for the championship race in 2026, marking the end of Phoenix’s six-year reign as the deciding track for all three national series. This return to Homestead will initiate a rotating finale where various tracks will host the championship event from year to year. Homestead previously served as the season finale site from 2002 until 2019, establishing the longest consecutive tenure for a championship venue in NASCAR history.
During the teleconference, Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s Executive Vice President and Chief Venue & Racing Innovations Officer, elaborated on the focus of the rotating finale, which will primarily feature intermediate tracks and some short tracks. The decision to avoid utilizing superspeedways or road courses for the championship race, at least for the near future, was made clear by Kennedy. He explained, “While we’re not ruling anything out, we’ve collectively decided that the finale should embody what traditional NASCAR racing is all about.”
Kennedy further clarified the rationale behind avoiding superspeedways for the championship race, stating, “There are numerous narratives that arise from those events, and we want to ensure that when we go to venues like Homestead, Phoenix, or any future locations, there’s ample strategy involved and that our championship contenders are also in the mix for the win.” He acknowledged the discussions surrounding road courses but indicated that they are currently not high on the list of potential championship venues. “For now, our focus will be on short tracks and mile-and-a-half configurations,” he said.
While NASCAR is considering a variety of tracks for the rotating finale, certain venues like Michigan and New Hampshire are less likely to be selected due to their geographical positioning and the time of year. Kennedy noted, “We want to avoid any significant weather disruptions during the championship weekend. Tracks located further north, like New Hampshire or Michigan, are subject to historical weather patterns that could lead to unfavorable conditions.” He emphasized the importance of ensuring that fans can comfortably attend the event, saying, “If conditions include snow or below-freezing temperatures, it could deter fans from participating in the championship weekend, which poses a challenge for us.”
Kennedy also mentioned that tracks not owned by NASCAR, including those under Speedway Motorsports, could be contenders for future championship events. He stated, “At this point, we’re considering all options, whether they fall under NASCAR’s ownership or not. We have a solid relationship with Speedway Motorsports, which hosts several significant playoff events.” While no specific venues were named during the teleconference, Kennedy expressed optimism about the range of possibilities.
In addition to discussing the rotating championship finale, NASCAR plans to improve the timeline for announcing its schedules in the future. Last year, the 2025 schedule was revealed only at the end of August. Kennedy expressed a desire for a more efficient process, stating, “We want to announce the schedule earlier and have it presented as a distinct, standalone event.” He added that efforts are underway to expedite the announcement of the 2026 schedule and the championship location for 2027, aiming to create a moment of excitement similar to the announcement of Homestead-Miami as the championship venue.
Kennedy concluded by highlighting the potential for engaging content and storylines surrounding the championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, emphasizing the intent to enhance the overall event experience. He expressed enthusiasm about the forthcoming developments, noting that there will be various moments leading up to November 2026, including logo reveals and entertainment surrounding the championship event.
Overall, NASCAR is making strides towards a more dynamic and engaging championship format that reflects its traditional values while considering the needs and preferences of fans. The rotating finale not only promises to keep the excitement alive but also aims to provide a more strategic and competitive atmosphere as drivers vie for the championship title at various tracks across the country. With careful consideration of weather conditions, track characteristics, and fan engagement, NASCAR is set to redefine what the championship event looks like in the coming years.
