For NASCAR enthusiasts, the Miami-Homestead Speedway is nothing less than a pilgrimage that has hosted the season finale race for almost two decades. From 2002 to 2019, this iconic 1.5-mile track in South Florida served as the venue for NASCAR’s Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series penultimate event, before NASCAR decided to shift the Bill France Cup to Phoenix Raceway in November 2020.

Apart from a plush racing facility, the Arizona Office of Tourism handed NASCAR $1.5 million for 30 years to promote races in Phoenix. This, in turn, allowed NASCAR to recoup on their investment and deliver a grand show. But by the time Joey Logano bagged his third NASCAR Cup Series crown, the track lost its luster. And, next thing you know, there were growing demands and appeals by the fans for NASCAR to go back to Homestead for the title race.

“There’s always your doubters. There’s always your haters. But you know what? This one’s for Rowdy Nation because you guys are the best.” Rowdy Busch, the last Cup Series champ to be crowned at Homestead Miami Speedway, said in 2019. And it looks like we just might have a similar story unfold in 2026, with NASCAR finally turning a corner for good.

NASCAR is close to announcing the return of the championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway

Guillermo Santa Cruz, the Track President of Miami-Homestead Speedway, was hopeful about NASCAR’s title race weekend. “It’s definitely something I want to see happen. And I’m hopeful in the not-too-distant future the championship will come back.” And it looks like his optimism has finally paid off. Although there’s no official confirmation about the return of the title race to Homestead, Jordan Bianchi from Athletic sent the NASCAR community into a frenzy with an update on X.

“NEWS: Homestead-Miami Speedway to host the 2026 championship races for the Cup, Xfinity and Truck Series, sources tell @TheAthletic,” Bianchi shared on social media. But there’s a catch: the report by Bianchi also states that this return isn’t going to last as long as Phoenix, and it will be a one-time deal. NASCAR is looking to rotate the championship race to different markets and venues.

“I would not limit something just to Miami if we were to rotate it.” Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR COO, said this when asked about moving the title race out of Phoenix. But the 1.5-mile track in Florida will need significant upgrades to the facility to be able to host the mega event, and NASCAR will only do itself a favor if they do not touch the racing surface. Santa Cruz and NASCAR have been working behind the scenes to put a deal in place that will allow them to promote the championship weekend.

Sean Fletcher, Homestead Vice Mayor, has confirmed this event as an estimated $350 million financial boost for the local economy. “It’s really a big deal for the city of Homestead, I think it’s the perfect race for the drivers; they love the track. It’s really a driver’s racetrack. And that’s a great time of year to be in South Florida,” said Fletcher.

NASCAR’s decision to bring back the Season finale to Homestead has impressed the drivers, too. Reflecting on it, Denny Hamlin said, “I would certainly like to see (Homestead) play a bigger factor in our championship.” We all remember the last-lap thriller when Tyler Reddick pulled off a sling-shot move at Homestead last fall to bag his spot in the championship race. If anything, the Next Gen racing on Homestead has been some of the best, and it will lead to more entertaining finale races.

But, if NASCAR is planning the rotate the championship weekend, which racetracks are in contention to host the blockbuster weekend?

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Potential Championship venues for the NASCAR title weekend

#1. Charlotte Motor Speedway

This could be a logical move, in case NASCAR sticks with an International race in Mexico City and finds a new venue to race in the streets after Chicago. There are enough road course races on the schedule, and a reshuffle could see the Roval weekend being converted into an oval race. Talk about the racing facility and the on-track product, Charlotte Motor Speedway is in top-notch condition. Moreover, it is in NASCAR’s backyard, making it easier for them to host the mega event.

#2. Darlington Raceway

Now, this right there is an interesting pick. Again, one of the tracks that is known to produce good races with the Next Gen car and has historical significance. It has to be noted that there are rumors about Rockingham’s return to the Cup Series schedule, and if this move comes through by 2027, NASCAR might rotate the championship weekend at Darlington. The spring date could be handed out to the Rock, and that in turn will balance out the rest of the schedule.

#3. Phoenix Raceway

The Jewel of the Desert has been the NASCAR final stop for the last five years, and for the most part, they have delivered the goods. It’s just that Next Gen racing on the 1-mile oval hasn’t been up to the mark. If NASCAR does roll out a new tire package like they did for the spring race, we might overcome track-position heavy racing at the venue. Well, there’s also another possibility of NASCAR’s plan going south, and in that case, they wouldn’t second-guess in going back to Phoenix to host the championship weekend.