For all the NASCAR fans around the world, Homestead Miami is a track that evokes a lot of emotions. The year 1999 saw the track make its debut in the world of the NASCAR Cup Series. Veteran drivers like Jimmie Johnson, Greg Biffle, and Tony Stewart have marked their victories at this iconic spot, adding to its rich legacy. 

Naturally, the news that Homestead Miami might not be a part of the 2025 Playoff schedule has certainly taken everyone by shock. In the year 2019, the track was demoted from the Championship track to the round of 8. A move that fans did not appreciate too much. However, currently, this track is the third last race in the series. While some fans wanted Homestead Miami Speedway to come back to its original glory in 2025, as of now, it is not in the Playoffs. 

Demotion or Renovation for Homestead Miami?

Homestead Miami is certainly one of the most challenging speedways in the entire NASCAR track circuit. Extending for 1.5 miles, the sharp turns and the track surface of Miami make it the perfect option as the Championship track. However, currently, the latest announcement has made it clear that the upcoming season will witness Homestead Miami hosting Truck Series on March 21st, Xfinity on March 22nd, and Cup on March 23rd. This change has surprised many as the characteristics of Miami make it the perfect battleground for the finals, as seen on Sunday.

Although the South Florida track is intermediate, what makes it unique is that it is quite different from the standard quad-oval. The most popular thing about Phoenix is the dreamy setting and immersive fan experience. However, in the final, the race needs to be much more about driver excellence. While Phoenix still is yet to get a chance to deliver an epic like Homestead, the NASCAR community feels distraught at the latter’s playoff removal.

The recent Straight Talk Wireless 400 has been a testimony of how this speedway can drive excellence. The battle between Denny Hamlin, Tyler Reddick, and Ryan Blaney for the checkered flag was pure cinema. After multiple lead changes and restarts, Reddick made it to the checkered flag by overtaking defending champion Ryan Blaney on the very last lap. This is exactly how the final track should be – exciting, nerve-wracking, and unexpected surprises at every end. The track should be such that it allows drivers to put their strategic bent of mind to use.

Reacting to this news, NASCAR insiders Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi talk about how NASCAR has made a big blunder here. They said, “Yeah it’s shaped different from the other mile and halfs. It’s a true oval I just you know, I just wish that there’s sometimes NASCAR makes decisions and they’re for the better. But when you have something that’s a good thing, please don’t mess with the good thing. Because this was really the perfect championship track and I think someday hopefully it will be back again and everybody will go, why did it ever leave?” Not only that, Homestead has the longest streak of a track that has hosted the NASCAR finale, with 18 consecutive years!

Currently, there has been no official confirmation about why this shift. However, there are some rumors that are pointing out upcoming renovations of the Homestead Miami Speedway as the probable reason for this withdrawal. The shift to Phoenix Speedway completely could be because of the strong local support which makes hosting any race much easier. And finally, the Speedway has also gone through major renovations in the year 2025 which has made it well-equipped with all the latest technology. The entire renovation cost a whopping $178 million! 

Dale Earnhardt Jr Express Disappointment Over Homestead Leaving the Playoffs

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It seems as though not only NASCAR insiders but even drivers have expressed resentment over Homestead Miami leaving the playoffs. Fan favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr recently reacted to the news and expressed his resentment over the same. He said, “I’m disappointed about Homestead leaving the playoffs. We ran Homestead years ago early in the season and it felt weird after having the season finale there for so long. It just doesn’t feel right to put it anywhere else in the season”.

This track does bring a lot of memories for Dale Earnhardt Jr given that he managed to earn the NASCAR Xfinity Series Title in both 1998 and 1999 in the same track. He further added how much he enjoyed himself driving on the track. The JR Motorsports No. 88 driver said, “Homestead is fun wherever we race it in the year. It’s a great finale. Is it the only track we can have the season finale at? No. But it was a great one and going back to that will be fun if that’s what happens”.

Currently, it’s a given that the NASCAR Cup Series 2025 Championship will take place at Phoenix. Fans still miss and admire Homestead, especially when such playoff classic races take place there. Do you think they should reinstate Homestead as the host of the finale?