The debate over NASCAR’s championship finale has been raging ever since 2020. After over a decade of memorable championship finales, the sport moved its season-ending race away from Homestead-Miami Speedway to Phoenix Raceway. For 18 consecutive seasons, the South Florida track served as the perfect backdrop for title showdowns, with seven of its race winners also claiming the championship. The introduction of the winner-take-all format in 2014 only amplified the stakes, making Homestead the ultimate proving ground.

Yet, despite its proven history of delivering dramatic, high-intensity battles, NASCAR shifted the finale elsewhere and has removed Homestead from its playoff schedule entirely in 2025. Fans and insiders alike have questioned whether the move has truly benefited the sport. Now, longtime NASCAR veterans have weighed in to reignite the debate over where Homestead Miami Speedway really belongs.

A storied venue for NASCAR’s grand finale

Homestead-Miami Speedway has long been revered for its unique characteristics and memorable races. The speedway’s history dates back to its inauguration in 1995. The inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race was held on November 14, 1999, won by Tony Stewart. Its 1.5-mile oval features variable banking between 18 to 20 degrees that is designed to promote multiple racing grooves and side-by-side competition, and has been instrumental in producing some of NASCAR’s most exciting finishes.

Jamie Little, a seasoned motorsports reporter, highlighted the track’s distinctive atmosphere on the Performance Racing Network: “But that vibe down there in South Florida, the racing that you get, no matter what you’re doing down there… IndyCar, Xfinity, Truck, Cup they’re all amazing… It’s just such a great place. I think we need to go back. I think the drivers are fans of going back.”

Well, Little is not wrong here. NASCAR Cup series drivers have expressed their love for Homestead Miami Speedway. Ahead of the Homestead race last week, which marked its exit from the playoffs after a three-year run, Team Penske’s #12, Ryan Blaney, said, “It’s a shame it’s not the playoffs because I think it makes for a great playoff race. You have a lot of excitement around it. But it’s just nice to come here, and I wish we had two dates.”

Chris Knight, a veteran NASCAR journalist, emphasized the track’s suitability for season-ending races. “I always felt like when we went there, it felt right to end the season… The vibe was great, the fan turnout was phenomenal. The racing was exceptional.” Even as Homestead concluded its championship chapter in 2019, it boasted a sellout crowd for a sixth consecutive season. Speedway President Al Garcia spoke about this remarkable feat in 2019, saying, “This is a true testament, not just to the hard work by everyone on our staff, but the tremendous enthusiasm in this area for an event of this stature.”

The track has been the stage for numerous iconic moments in NASCAR history. From the 2011 ‘tied championship’ between Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards to the 2004 season finale, where Kurt Busch narrowly won the championship despite losing a wheel on pit road, Homestead has delivered unforgettable drama. In 2016, Jimmie Johnson cemented his legacy by winning his record-tying seventh title in a clutch performance as Carl Edwards faced heartbreak with a late race crash. This further proved why the track was the perfect venue for season-ending showdowns.

Homestead-Miami Speedway also offers a vibrant atmosphere that resonates with fans and drivers alike. The combination of South Florida’s climate in November, the track’s colorful aesthetics, and the passionate fanbase creates an environment that many believe is unparalleled in the racing world. “The colors at the racetrack is just very unique, and it’s such a great place,” Jamie emphasized.

Lastly, Homestead-Miami’s character lies in its worn-out racing surface, which produces thrilling multi-groove battles. Many believe modernization shouldn’t come at the cost of great racing. As Jamie Little emphasized, “If they do the renovation, yes, clean up the pit road, the area that we talked about, maybe the garages. But leave the racetrack alone, please!”

The reason Homestead was brought up to a March race in 2025 was to give it time to complete necessary renovations before 2026. Some speculated these renovations were for an eventual return to the track for the finale in 2026, and Hendrick Motorsports #24 William Byron stoked the flames on this topic, saying, “I think it’s due for hopefully being the final race. It sounds like that’s what’s gonna happen.” 

As it stands, there is no confirmation on a return to Homestead, but fans remain hopeful as many former drivers and veterans have outspoken feelings on where the finale should be.

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The championship race dilemma

Joe Gibbs Racing #11 Denny Hamlin supports returning Homestead-Miami Speedway at least to the playoff schedule. “Whether it’s in the Playoffs, just a part of the championship race or round, or whatever it might be, I’d like to see it be a part of that.” However, Phoenix’s financial backing is what is keeping them at the helm as of now.

Phoenix Raceway is a track owned by NASCAR, and the track reportedly invests between $5 million and $10 million annually to host Championship Weekend. More recently, Bubba Wallace’s spotter, Freddie Kraft, dismissed the notion that the finale would head back to Homestead because of funding issues for the South Florida track. “They were flying drivers out there, Tuesday or Wednesday, to announce this finale… Something happened and it’s fallen apart funding-wise.” Kraft notes that Miami hosting six FIFA World Cup matches in 2026 has added to the financial issues the city faces in acquiring the funds to match Phoenix.

The move to Phoenix has also prompted broader discussions about the championship race’s location. Fans and insiders have debated the merits of rotating the finale among different tracks to enhance excitement and fairness. Some argue that a single, consistent venue allows teams to prepare more effectively, especially at a track like Homestead-Miami Speedway, while some feel rotating it adds to the thrill of not knowing where your season will end next.

2014 Cup Series Champion Kevin Harvick has been vocal about his views on a rotating championship venue.  Harvick stated, “I think it would be good to cycle the championship race between Phoenix, Homestead, and Las Vegas.” He believes that such a rotation would offer varied challenges and maintain a competitive balance. 

As NASCAR continues to evaluate its championship format, the perspectives of seasoned drivers and stakeholders play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sport’s culminating event. The balance between tradition, competitive integrity, and financial considerations remains central to this ongoing conversation. With calls mounting for Homestead-Miami to host the Championship races and getting louder by the day, maybe the Championship races could return to the venue soon. However, only time will tell. 

What do you think? Should NASCAR make the move back to the East coast for the final or stick out West for longer? Let us know in the comments!