Homestead is a big deal! Tyler Reddick proved that last year, exploding with, “We’re in this b—-!” after his last-lap win in the Cup race, showing the intensity on this 1.5-mile track. But this year, there’s a wild twist: wildfires are burning nearby, sending smoke across Miami-Dade County and raising alarms. Journalist Bob Pockrass calmed nerves, saying, “This wildfire is a few miles south of the track. It hasn’t affected Homestead race weekend preparations and nothing changes to the schedule.“

X users are going nuts, posting messages like, “Any word from NASCAR on the brush fire literally right next to the track?” and “Any news on the brush fire at Homestead Miami Speedway?  Still, the tension could force NASCAR to reschedule if the fire grows. It’s a stretch, but it can be done, with road closures and smoke already causing the area to be disrupted. But if all goes well there is something bigger with an equal level of significance we have to take care of as well for the races there. Xfinity and Truck Series drivers may not be as elated as Cup Series drivers.

Cup Series racers are luckier than their counterparts

NBA legend Michael Jordan, Reddick’s team owner, pumped his arms and yelled loudly from the pit road after celebrating on the frontstretch following the 2024 race. “Little kid [Reddick] drove his ass off, and I’m proud of him,” exclaimed Jordan. “He didn’t let go. He just went for it, and we needed it. We needed it.” The Xfinity Series is gearing up, too. JR Motorsports is pumped, saying, “We’re ready to tackle Homestead’s challenging layout with our No. 1, 7, 8, and 9 Chevrolets.” Qualifying’s set, with odds favoring drivers like Cole Custer at +500, but the purse is a slap in the face.

Bob Pockrass tweeted, “Homestead weekend purses incl all payouts, all positions, contingency awards, year-end pts fund contribution, etc. … and for Cup, all charter payouts for racing each week and historical performance: Cup: $11,055,250, Xfinity: $1,651,939, Truck: $782,900.” Nearly $10 million separates Cup from Xfinity and that just isn’t fair. Cup drivers are swimming in dough, and the Xfinity teams are scratching heads trying to find where their share of the pie went. NASCAR is putting the spotlight on the elite level and pushing the rest into the background.

Classic wins are Tony Stewart‘s 2003 championship in the No. 20 Home Depot Chevrolet for Joe Gibbs Racing, finishing ahead of Matt Kenseth by 71 points with a 14th-place finish, a career highlight. Jimmie Johnson dominated in 2007, winning the race and his second straight championship in the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, beating Jeff Gordon by 77 points with strategic mastery.

Kyle Larson’s 2021 victory in the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet saw him lead 135 of 267 laps, clinching his first title by 10 points over Martin Truex Jr. after a dominant season. Redesignated in 1999, it seats 43,000 and features a road course, and is still a hotbed of racing.

The narrative isn‘t strictly about numbers, but tragedy for Xfinity and Truck teams. They‘re fighting out there on the same surface, attracting the same fans, but the paycheck is nowhere near. Cup drivers might take home millions, with Xfinity‘s highest-paid potentially making much less. It’s not just about the cash but it’s respect. We’re rooting for a change and clear skies.

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Little hope left for Xfinity racers

The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Dash 4 Cash is finally here, starting at Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend. This bonus program, kicking off its 17th year, is all about rewarding drivers with extra cash up to $100,000 for winning four big races. It’s a mid-season thrill ride, and Homestead’s the launchpad. Four Xfinity vets who annihilated it at Las Vegas last week are determined to chase that first $100,000 prize. Who’s gonna be it?

The rules are simple but savage: the top four series regulars from Vegas with drivers like Austin Hill or Cole Custer to qualify for the Homestead’s Dash 4 Cash race. Then, the following three races at Martinsville, Rockingham, and Talladega keep the fire burning, with victors receiving bonuses as well as their race pays. This is the inaugural time that the series has come to the 1-mile North Carolina circuit. 

This is not money, it’s pride. Homestead Miami’s 1.5-mile oval laying curveballs, it’s anyone‘s ballgame. With Dash 4 Cash it will be entertaining to see who turns out rich and proud. Onwards and upwards!