For five straight years, NASCAR has crowned its Cup Series champion under the blazing Arizona sun at Phoenix Raceway. But after half a decade, many drivers, fans, and industry insiders are wondering: Is it time for a change?
That answer might finally be yes.
NASCAR’s Chief Operating Officer Steve O’Donnell has officially acknowledged that a Championship 4 venue rotation is on the table. If this happens, 2026 could bring a new location for the season finale.
“It’s more complicated than just waving a checkered flag and saying, ‘Let’s move the championship,’ but I do think a rotation is going to be really important for us.” — Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR COO
Why Phoenix Raceway No Longer Fits the Bill
Phoenix has been a solid host, but let’s be honest: It’s not delivering championship-level excitement.
✅ Great facilities after the 2018 renovations
✅ Solid fan experience in the desert
❌ Lackluster on-track product
❌ No real “wild card” element to the title race
While Homestead-Miami Speedway provided dramatic multi-lane racing that allowed different strategies to shine, Phoenix’s flat, 1-mile oval hasn’t produced the kind of intense, unpredictable action a season finale deserves.
Plus, there’s the dominance factor. When a driver like Kevin Harvick or Kyle Larson has Phoenix figured out, the track heavily favors certain drivers. That makes it tough for the finale to feel like a true battle between the best of the best.
“If a driver has won 45 Phoenix races in a row and the championship is there, it’s probably not a good look for the sport, right?” — Steve O’Donnell
Where Should NASCAR Move the Championship Race?
If NASCAR truly wants to shake things up, the right track needs to be chosen. O’Donnell ruled out:
❌ Superspeedways (Daytona, Talladega, Atlanta) – too unpredictable
❌ Road & street courses – not realistic for a title race
That means intermediate tracks (1.5-mile ovals) are the best bet.
1️⃣ Las Vegas Motor Speedway (The Best Choice?)
🏁 Why Vegas?
- Perfect November weather
- Glitz & glamour of a championship weekend in Sin City
- Great track layout for high-speed, multi-lane racing
- Strong support from drivers & teams
“I’d love to see Las Vegas Motor Speedway have a championship race.” — Kevin Harvick
Las Vegas already hosts NASCAR’s annual awards banquet, so the city is no stranger to handling high-profile events. Imagine a sold-out Vegas championship weekend where fans, celebrities, and sponsors come together for the sport’s biggest moment.
2️⃣ Homestead-Miami Speedway (Bring It Back?)
🏁 Why Miami?
- NASCAR’s best 1.5-mile track
- Multi-groove racing that produces intense battles
- Strong history as the season finale from 2002-2019
Many old-school fans still feel like Homestead is the rightful home for NASCAR’s final race. The track’s unique worn-out surface forces tire management and strategy, meaning the best driver, not just the fastest car, wins the title.
3️⃣ Atlanta Motor Speedway (A Wild Card)
🏁 Why Atlanta?
- Recently reconfigured into a superspeedway-style track
- Could add unpredictability to the finale
- Historic NASCAR market
Atlanta might be a bit too chaotic for a championship race, but if NASCAR wants a thrilling, unpredictable finish, this could be a sleeper option.
Final Verdict: It’s Time for a Change
Phoenix had its moment, but the time has come for something fresh. Las Vegas Motor Speedway checks all the boxes for what a championship race should be—high-speed, multi-lane racing with a destination city that can match the event’s energy.
