NASCAR has made a significant announcement regarding the future of its championship race weekend, confirming that the season-ending event will return to Homestead-Miami Speedway starting in 2026. This change comes as part of a broader strategic shift in how NASCAR will determine the venue for its most important race of the year.
The 2026 season finale at Homestead-Miami will not be a one-off event, but rather the kickoff to a new rotational model. Going forward, NASCAR plans to alternate the location of the championship race among a select group of tracks. Homestead-Miami Speedway, which previously hosted the championship finale from 2002 through 2019, will be joined in the rotation by Phoenix Raceway and additional tracks yet to be announced. This move is designed to bring variety and fresh excitement to the playoff conclusion each year, potentially opening the door for fan-favorite tracks across the country to host NASCAR’s biggest weekend.
Phoenix Raceway, the current host of the season finale since 2020, will not lose prominence entirely. NASCAR confirmed that Phoenix will continue to hold two races in 2026, with its second event being a critical race in the Round of 8—a pivotal moment in the championship hunt.
This new approach reflects NASCAR’s continued efforts to enhance the fan experience, promote competitive balance, and showcase different venues across its national series. The rotating championship model introduces a fresh dynamic to the playoff format, as drivers and teams will now have to adapt to different conditions and track types in their pursuit of a title each year.
