Brad Keselowski, co-owner of RFK Racing and a prominent NASCAR driver, has recently advocated for relocating the NASCAR Cup Series championship finale from Phoenix Raceway to either Darlington Raceway or Charlotte Motor Speedway. This suggestion comes amid growing criticism of Phoenix Raceway, which has hosted the season finale since 2020, with detractors arguing that it lacks the excitement and competitive edge suitable for such a pivotal event.
Keselowski’s proposal has sparked considerable discussion among fans and industry stakeholders. Darlington Raceway, known as the “Track Too Tough to Tame,” is steeped in NASCAR history and is renowned for its challenging layout. Charlotte Motor Speedway, located near many NASCAR team headquarters, is celebrated for hosting the prestigious Coca-Cola 600. Both tracks are esteemed within the racing community and are considered by Keselowski to be fitting venues for the championship finale.
NASCAR’s Chief Operating Officer, Steve O’Donnell, has acknowledged the possibility of rotating the championship venue in the future. While he praised Phoenix as an “incredible host city,” O’Donnell indicated that discussions are ongoing about potential changes, suggesting that a broader range of venues could be considered to host the championship.
The idea of rotating the championship finale aligns with practices in other major sports, such as the NFL and NCAA basketball, which regularly change their championship locations to enhance fan engagement and market reach. Implementing a similar rotation in NASCAR could introduce new dynamics to the season’s climax, potentially increasing excitement and viewership.
As of now, Phoenix Raceway is scheduled to continue hosting the finale through the 2025 season. However, with influential figures like Keselowski advocating for change and ongoing discussions within NASCAR’s leadership, there is a possibility that the championship venue could rotate among tracks like Darlington and Charlotte in the future. Such a move would honor NASCAR’s rich history and could provide a more thrilling conclusion to the racing season.
