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NASCAR’s Playoff Location Debate: Denny Hamlin Weighs In Amid Rising Speculations

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
March 25, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
0
Denny Hamlin’s Take on NASCAR’s New Tire Options: A Threat to Traditional Winners?

Mar 2, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) walks out onto the stage for driver introductions before the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Harms-Imagn Images

The NASCAR community has been abuzz with speculation and rumors surrounding the future locale for the Championship 4 race, ever since talks of a potential move from Phoenix Raceway started doing the rounds. The debate over the ideal destination for the season’s climax is fervently raging, with loyalists advocating for Phoenix to retain its hosting privilege, while others ponder the prospects of Homestead-Miami and Las Vegas Motor Speedway. As we wait for an official statement from NASCAR, seasoned racer Denny Hamlin has broken his silence, expressing his preference and shedding light on the factors that could influence NASCAR’s contentious decision.

Hamlin, known for his candidness, has been vocal about the comparison between Phoenix and Homestead-Miami. Homestead-Miami Speedway, with its high tire wear, ample overtaking opportunities, and breathtaking sunset views, has long been revered as an apt venue for the Championship 4 showdown. This made NASCAR’s 2020 decision to switch to Phoenix Raceway all the more startling. Many fans questioned the necessity to change a winning formula, leading to speculation about the commercial motivations behind the decision.

In a recent episode of the Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin expressed his thoughts on the potential venue change. He believes Phoenix provides a superior atmosphere, particularly in the infield, compared to Homestead. His enthusiasm for Phoenix Raceway, fondly known as ‘The Desert Oddball,’ is understandable, especially after its $178 million makeover in 2018. In contrast, Hamlin pointed out that Homestead-Miami Speedway appears worn out and in desperate need of upgrades. The considerable millions NASCAR receives for hosting the race at the 1-mile dogleg oval provides another compelling reason to stick with Phoenix. Despite some complaints about the quality of racing at the venue, the introduction of a new soft compound could be a game-changer going forward.

Rumors about a potential change continue to swirl, with Homestead-Miami Speedway’s website listing of the ‘2026 NASCAR Cup Series Reserved Grandstand’ for November 1st next year — a date typically associated with the season finale. This revelation, coupled with William Byron’s speculative comment about a possible return to Homestead, has fueled the rumor mill.

However, Freddie Kraft, Bubba Wallace’s spotter, has attempted to quash these rumors. On the Door Bumper Clear podcast, Kraft revealed that the plans for Homestead fell through due to financial constraints. The logistics of hosting the race in Miami, amid the city’s commitment to hosting six matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, also present a challenge. This has led to speculations that NASCAR might turn its gaze towards Las Vegas Motor Speedway as a viable alternative.

As Homestead-Miami potentially bows out of the race, NASCAR finds itself exploring other alternatives. NASCAR COO Steve O’Donnell previously hinted at a rotational system for the season-finale venue, a sentiment echoed by Kraft. One of the strong contenders for the Championship 4 race could be Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Several influential figures in NASCAR have expressed support for ‘The Diamond in the Desert’ to host the race. Despite the track’s history of pit blunders, it hasn’t seen the kind of chaos associated with Daytona, Atlanta, and COTA.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s combination of controversy-free racing and entertainment aligns perfectly with what NASCAR should be targeting. The track’s location in ‘Sin City’ provides the requisite glamour for a race of this magnitude, and the benign November weather will be an added advantage. From a financial perspective, if all the pieces fall into place, there’s no reason why NASCAR should overlook Las Vegas as a feasible option. The question now is – should NASCAR adopt a rotation system for the Championship 4 race? We await your thoughts in the comments section below!

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