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Brad Keselowski Pushes for Darlington Championship Finale: Honoring Dale Earnhardt’s Legacy

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
December 18, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
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Kevin Harvick Tips Brad Keselowski for FireKeepers Casino 400 Victory, Citing Ford Engine Advantage

 As NASCAR revamps its 2025 schedule with historic returns and international flair, Brad Keselowski is leading the charge for one major change: moving the championship finale from Phoenix Raceway to the legendary Darlington Raceway. Could this be the ultimate nod to Dale Earnhardt’s enduring legacy?


A Historic Shakeup: NASCAR’s Bold 2025 Moves

The 2025 NASCAR schedule is already making waves. For the first time in modern history, NASCAR will host an international points-paying race in Mexico this June. Meanwhile, the Busch Light Clash returns to Bowman Gray Stadium, the “Madhouse,” after a 54-year absence.

Yet amidst these exciting changes, one tradition remains untouched: Phoenix Raceway as the championship venue. Since 2020, Phoenix has hosted NASCAR’s season finale, drawing sellout crowds for seven consecutive races. Despite its success, fans and drivers alike are calling for a change, with Homestead-Miami Speedway leading fan polls.

But Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing co-owner and recent winner at Darlington, has a different idea: take the finale to Darlington Raceway.


Why Darlington? The Earnhardt Connection

Darlington Raceway, known as the “Track Too Tough to Tame,” holds a revered place in NASCAR history. Since its inaugural race in 1950, the 1.366-mile oval has been the site of legendary moments, particularly for Dale Earnhardt, one of NASCAR’s greatest icons.

Earnhardt’s dominance at Darlington is unmatched:

  • 9 victories, including a streak that cemented him as a Darlington legend.
  • 19 top-five finishes, proving his consistency and mastery of the egg-shaped track.

Even in moments of adversity, like his infamous health-related crash in the 1997 Southern 500, Earnhardt’s legacy at Darlington remained untarnished.

Keselowski’s suggestion to make Darlington the championship venue would honor Earnhardt’s legacy while challenging drivers at one of the most demanding tracks in NASCAR.


Keselowski’s Vision: Darlington or Charlotte?

Taking to social media, Keselowski shared his thoughts:
“Been thinking about this one for awhile. I really like both @TooToughToTame or @CLTMotorSpdwy as a season finale. What do you all think?”

His post comes just as NASCAR COO Steve O’Donnell hinted at possible changes to the championship venue. While O’Donnell emphasized the organization’s satisfaction with Phoenix, he left the door open:

“I 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.”


Homestead vs. Darlington: A Battle for the Finale

For many fans, Homestead-Miami Speedway remains the ideal championship venue. Known for thrilling finishes, like Tyler Reddick’s last-lap pass on Ryan Blaney in 2024, Homestead offers drama and unpredictability that Phoenix struggles to replicate.

However, Darlington brings its own allure. The track’s history, combined with its challenging layout, makes it a fitting stage for crowning a champion. Keselowski’s recent win at Darlington only fuels his desire to see the venue host the sport’s most important race.


The Madhouse Returns: Bowman Gray’s Big Comeback

While the championship debate rages, another legendary track is stealing headlines. Bowman Gray Stadium, affectionately known as the “Madhouse,” will host the Busch Light Clash in 2025. The short track hasn’t hosted a NASCAR race in over five decades, but its return is a nostalgic nod to the sport’s grassroots.

Racing veteran Tim Brown, the winningest driver at Bowman Gray, will step into the spotlight, driving the No. 15 Ford Mustang for Rick Ware Racing in the Clash.

Brown, a 53-year-old with 101 victories and 12 track championships at Bowman Gray, called the opportunity “humbling.”

“I’ve worked my whole life to try to be a Cup driver,” Brown said. “For Rick Ware and everybody involved here at RWR to give me the chance to go run a Cup race is so humbling and so heartwarming.”


What’s Next for NASCAR’s Championship Venue?

As NASCAR continues its tradition of blending innovation with heritage, the championship venue debate remains a hot topic. While Phoenix Raceway has delivered consistency, a move to Darlington Raceway would bring history and grit back to the forefront of the sport.

Whether it’s a tribute to Dale Earnhardt or a nod to NASCAR’s roots, Keselowski’s idea has merit—and fans might just get the finale they’re clamoring for.

 

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