AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

NASCAR Championship Shake-Up? Rotating Final Race Gains Momentum

Harry Bright by Harry Bright
January 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
NASCAR Championship Shake-Up? Rotating Final Race Gains Momentum

Nov 10, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) races alongside William Byron (24) during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

For five consecutive years, Phoenix Raceway has been the epicenter of NASCAR’s season finale, hosting Championship 4 showdowns under the blazing Arizona sun. But with fans clamoring for change and prominent voices like Kevin Harvick calling for a rotation, NASCAR’s brass is finally hinting at a shake-up.

While Phoenix has the infrastructure and history—bolstered by a $178 million facelift in 2018—many argue it lacks the high-stakes thrill that a title-deciding race demands. Enter NASCAR COO Steve O’Donnell, who hasn’t ruled out a rotational format:

“I would not limit something just to Miami… you’d have a broader look at venues that could host a championship.”

With NASCAR looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, let’s explore where the future of the Cup Series finale might lie:


Las Vegas Motor Speedway: The Diamond in the Desert

When it comes to glitz, glamour, and fanfare, Las Vegas ticks all the boxes. A 1.5-mile oval with a proven track record, it’s located in the entertainment capital of the world, making it a perfect stage for a season finale.

Kevin Harvick—a two-time Vegas winner—endorsed it wholeheartedly:

“I’d love to see Las Vegas Motor Speedway have a championship race.”

With 80,000 seats and ideal November weather, Vegas would bring spectacle and drama to NASCAR’s biggest moment.


Homestead-Miami Speedway: A Fan Favorite

Homestead has long been the sentimental favorite. From Tony Stewart’s epic 2011 victory to Jimmie Johnson’s dynasty-defining moments, the 1.5-mile track has delivered unforgettable finales.

NASCAR owns the facility outright, which makes logistics easier. Plus, its progressive banking ensures thrilling multi-groove racing—a key ingredient for a championship decider.


Other Dark Horses for the Finale

  1. Charlotte Roval
    Combining road-course challenges with high-speed oval racing, the Roval would offer a unique and unpredictable finale—one that rewards skill and strategy.
  2. Nashville Superspeedway
    A track with history and buzz, Nashville could leverage its country-music culture to create a championship weekend like no other.
  3. Atlanta Motor Speedway
    Recently reconfigured, Atlanta races like a superspeedway—high speeds, pack racing, and thrilling unpredictability. That’s a recipe for drama in a title race.

New Qualifying and Practice Changes for 2025

While the championship debate rages on, NASCAR has already introduced single-round qualifying for 2025, excluding superspeedways.

Key changes include:

  • 25-minute practice sessions for better on-track preparation.
  • Two qualifying rounds at Daytona, Talladega, and Atlanta.
  • Road-course qualifying split into two 20-minute sessions for separate groups.
  • A 50-minute practice for the Daytona 500 to appease drivers seeking more track time.

The Bottom Line

NASCAR’s willingness to explore rotational venues for the championship race signals a new era of fan engagement and innovation. Whether it’s Las Vegas, Homestead, or a wildcard track like Charlotte, the stakes are clear: NASCAR needs a final race worthy of its champions.

With changes to practice and qualifying already in place for 2025, the future looks brighter—and a little bolder—for America’s favorite motorsport.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Laurent Mekies Takes Red Bull by Storm as New Team Principal and CEO
Motorsports

Laurent Mekies Takes Red Bull by Storm as New Team Principal and CEO

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by David Castro
July 9, 2025
Tony Stewart Leads Explosive NHRA Regular Season Showdown
Motorsports

Tony Stewart Leads Explosive NHRA Regular Season Showdown

Mark J. Rebilas

by Harry Bright
July 9, 2025
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari F1 future uncertain as CEO hints at team shake-up
Motorsports

Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari F1 future uncertain as CEO hints at team shake-up

Formula One F1 - Austrian Grand Prix - Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria - June 27, 2025 Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton...

by Harry Bright
July 9, 2025
Max Verstappen’s Empire Crumbles: Red Bull Purges Allies Amid Horner’s Exit
Motorsports

Max Verstappen’s Empire Crumbles: Red Bull Purges Allies Amid Horner’s Exit

Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

by Arthur Ling
July 9, 2025

Recent News

Laurent Mekies Takes Red Bull by Storm as New Team Principal and CEO

Laurent Mekies Takes Red Bull by Storm as New Team Principal and CEO

July 9, 2025
Tony Stewart Leads Explosive NHRA Regular Season Showdown

Tony Stewart Leads Explosive NHRA Regular Season Showdown

July 9, 2025
Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari F1 future uncertain as CEO hints at team shake-up

Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari F1 future uncertain as CEO hints at team shake-up

July 9, 2025
Max Verstappen’s Empire Crumbles: Red Bull Purges Allies Amid Horner’s Exit

Max Verstappen’s Empire Crumbles: Red Bull Purges Allies Amid Horner’s Exit

July 9, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Enable Notifications OK No thanks