When Tyler Reddick did something entirely unexpected, the fans’ grandstands rode waves of cheers. Reddick had picked up the pole for the Homestead-Miami race, posting the fastest lap of 167.770 mph. However, before he could seal his Championship 4 berth, the No. 45 driver battled with accurate pit stops. Kyle Larson’s caution on lap 255 gave him that window of opportunity, as Reddick vaulted to the front and Homestead rejuvenated NASCAR fans’ emotions.

Racing fans love it when drivers are in control, and the 1.5-mile oval ensures that even with the Next-Gen car. Reddick executed a terrific pass with barely a lap left as he zoomed past Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney to grab the trophy. Such a thrilling finish reminded fans of yesteryears and why they detest NASCAR for changing the schedule.

Homestead is a racing jewel

Well, the statistics point starkly to this claim. Over the 25 races that Homestead-Miami Speedway has held since its 1999 inauguration, it has hosted the cream of the field. All 17 drivers who have won at the track have at least 19 career victories, except for William Byron and Christopher Bell. This elite status made it perfect as the NASCAR Cup Series season finale venue from 2004 to 2019.

But since 2019, Phoenix Raceway has hosted the championship race. The first time Homestead staged a championship run, five legendary drivers were in contention for the title: Kurt Busch, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin, and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

As it turned out, none of them could win the 2004 Ford 400; Busch had wheel issues. Ultimately, Greg Biffle won the race, while Jimmie Johnson secured the title. Similarly, nobody was expecting Tyler Reddick to be a threat on lap 250 of the Straight Talk Wireless 400. Hamlin, Blaney, Chase Elliott, and Kyle Larson were locked in a feisty battle for the lead while the 23XI Racing driver pitted.

However, Larson hit Blaney and spun, bringing out the 6th caution that pushed Tyler Reddick to the front. This thrilling turn of events prompted journalist Kelly Crandall to post: “NASCAR takes Homestead-Miami Speedway out of the playoffs for 2025. Homestead-Miami Speedway: OK, watch this.”

The Florida track’s epic battle is nectar for fans and drivers. For instance, drivers can ‘run the wall’ at Homestead, where the maximum grip is. When the track temperature falls, the low line is the spot to run. Defending race winner Christopher Bell could wash up 4th—he explained why Homestead is crucial to secure a win, given Phoenix’s more wildcard nature.

“The teams have their routine to prepare the car for every week, but the Phoenix car is a special car, and if you’re in the final four, it deserves to have more time and effort put into it. So, winning that first race is huge, and yeah, it’s an advantage, and I noticed that from winning Homestead last year, having that extra week to prepare,” C. Bell said.

Fans also agree with the Joe Gibbs Racing driver. They bashed NASCAR for its scheduling gimmicks.

NASCAR fans ride waves of fury

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Homestead Miami holds some special memories. Tony Stewart clinched the 2011 championship trophy, the first for his team, Stewart-Haas Racing. The final laps of the 2011 Ford 400 were titillating. But why so?

Carl Edwards was a thorn at Stewart’s side throughout, as both shuffled leads. Now as SHR prepares to shutter permanently, fans are riled up at NASCAR. Somebody boldly lashed out at the sanctioning body’s decision to shift the title race to Phoenix. “NASCAR consistently makes horrendous decisions; this is a perfect example.”

Another fan cited another instance when officials made an unpopular decision. “Just as stupid a move as using Ticketmaster now. Just more fan disrespect! #NASCAR #NASCARPlayoffs.” One fan even labeled the executives as shortsighted for Homestead, among other schedule changes like the upcoming Mexico race. “That was a really dumb scheduling decision by NASCAR.”

Phoenix Raceway is known for some of the most chaotic races. Last year, title winner Ryan Blaney had one blemish in his performance. Ross Chastain bested him for the race win as a non-playoff driver; although Blaney held the title in the end, the second-place hurt. So one fan vehemently agreed with Crandall against NASCAR favoring this track over the dynamic Homestead. “Agree 1000%. Why Phoenix is last race is beyond me. It should be Miami every year.” 

Somebody crossed their fingers for a possible change of heart on the part of the executives. “I’m still really hoping that Homestead returns as the real Championship Showdown track in ‘26. 🙏🏻🏆”

Evidently, Tyler Reddick won his fans’ hearts and also made NASCAR’s call unpopular. So far, no schedule change appears in sight, but let us wait for 2026, as one fan mentioned.