For once, NASCAR fans seem delighted with a decision—or at least, a potential one. In a sport where big changes can sometimes spark heated debates, NASCAR COO Steve O’Donnell’s recent comments about the future of the championship race have generated a surprising wave of approval.

O’Donnell hinted at a bold shakeup that could see the season finale leave its current home in Phoenix, and fans are here for it.

NASCAR’s championship race has had a steady home at Phoenix Raceway since 2020, with the venue’s strong fan turnout. Ideal November weather and competitive racing made it a solid choice. But according to Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR isn’t ruling out shaking things up shortly—and that means considering other venues, not just Phoenix and the historic Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Speaking last week, O’Donnell acknowledged the importance of Phoenix but left the door wide open for other options. “Phoenix has been an incredible host city for the championship. The market embraces the sport, we see sellouts, and it produces strong competition on the track. So it’s going to be hard to replicate, if we were to move,” he said. For context, Phoenix became the championship race site after completing a massive $178 million renovation in 2018. Since then, the track has delivered seven consecutive Cup Series sellouts, helping NASCAR recoup its investment. Before Phoenix, Homestead-Miami Speedway held the finale from 2002 to 2019, and it remains a fan-favorite venue.

However, O’Donnell made it clear that discussions are ongoing and that NASCAR is thinking big. “We would not limit something just to Miami if we were to rotate it. I think you’d have a broader look at venues that could host a championship. But short term, we’re in Phoenix, we’re extremely happy there, and we want to make sure that whatever we do, we continue to grow the sport when it relates to the playoffs.”

In short, Phoenix is secure for now—it’s already booked for the 2025 finale—but the winds of change are starting to blow. Any move would happen no earlier than 2026, giving NASCAR ample time to explore options, engage municipalities, and assess potential hosting fees. But the fact that NASCAR is now considering other possibilities—including venues outside its traditional ISC and Speedway Motorsports circuits—has fans buzzing.

Fans react to the possibility of a rotating finale

O’Donnell’s comments signal a potentially exciting shift for NASCAR’s season finale. A rotating championship race could bring fresh energy to the sport, giving fans across the country a chance to witness the finale in their own backyards. It’s also a smart business move. Hosting a championship race is a major economic boost for local markets, and NASCAR could leverage hosting fees and partnerships with municipalities to make the rotation financially lucrative.

There’s no denying that Phoenix has been a strong host, and it’s clear NASCAR remains pleased with the venue. But change is often necessary to keep things fresh, and the discussion alone shows that NASCAR is listening to its fanbase.

Fans have been calling for a shakeup of the championship race for years, and many see the move as long overdue. One fan summed up the general mood: “I’m so glad that Steve Phelps and Steve O’Donnell are listening to what fans have been asking for. A change in the championship venue would be fantastic. An intermediate track would be the perfect championship site.” NASCAR fans have wanted a shakeup in the qualifying format for a long time, especially with the troubles of the Next-Gen car. Perhaps a longer track might just be the key.

Weather is a key concern, of course. Another fan chimed in: “They need to do that, but you gotta remember it should be someplace warm.” The championship race traditionally takes place in early November, which narrows down the list of locations to those with mild climates. So where could the championship race end up? Las Vegas Motor Speedway seems like a natural contender, with its mild weather and world-class entertainment options. But NASCAR could go even further afield, looking at markets that might bring the sport to new audiences while maintaining the competitive integrity of the finale.

Naturally, some fans let their imaginations run wild, with suggestions ranging from practical to downright ambitious. One fan joked, “He about to bring it to Daytona. THERE’S MUH FOUR-WIDE RACING FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP.” It’s an entertaining thought, though Daytona—NASCAR’s Super Bowl venue—might be a long shot for the finale.

Others have put forward more realistic ideas. Atlanta Motor Speedway, for example, has come up as a contender. “How awesome would an Atlanta championship race be? When was the last championship race held in Atlanta?” one fan asked. For reference, Atlanta hosted the season finale from 1987 to 2000, before it shifted to Homestead.

Not everyone sees it as a purely positive change, though. One fan pointed out an interesting nuance: “The way the series is currently managed, the actual championship outcome is ‘track dependent’ on which drivers excel on what track or type of track. Much as Reddick was able to win 2 Xfinity Series titles back-to-back at Homestead.” It’s a fair point—moving the finale could shift the competitive balance depending on the type of track chosen.

For now, fans will have to wait and see—but the excitement is already building. Whether it’s Phoenix, Miami, Atlanta, or somewhere entirely unexpected, the possibility of a rotating championship venue feels like a win for everyone.