Hosting NASCAR’s championship race is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a city’s chance to shine on the sport’s biggest stage. For years, Homestead-Miami Speedway had that honor, crowning champions in dramatic finales, like Tony Stewart’s unforgettable 2011 comeback or Jimmie Johnson’s historic seventh title in 2016. Then, in 2020, NASCAR shifted the championship to Phoenix Raceway, hoping to shake things up.
But not every track can handle the weight of a championship weekend. The right location needs the perfect mix of excitement, competition, and financial backing. Now, whispers are growing louder that NASCAR might be eyeing a return to Homestead, leaving Phoenix behind. But is the move set in stone? As it turns out, the decision isn’t as simple as fans might think.
NASCAR’s championship dilemma: Homestead vs. Phoenix
The debate over NASCAR’s championship venue is heating up. Many fans and insiders believe Homestead-Miami Speedway is the perfect track for the season finale. Its multi-groove racing and history of thrilling championship battles make it an ideal choice. However, veteran NASCAR journalist Jordan Bianchi revealed, the decision isn’t just about racing. It’s about business.
“NASCAR wants to be here [Homestead]. They would like to have their championship here but this is also a business decision,” Bianchi stated in an episode of The Teardown with Jeff Gluck. However, securing the championship race is a complex process. Just like the Super Bowl, cities must bid for the event by offering financial incentives. “The Arizona, Phoenix, that community is paying NASCAR essentially to have the championship at Phoenix Raceway,” Bianchi explained. This financial backing plays a huge role in where NASCAR crowns its champion.
Bianchi continued, “The city of Homestead and Miami-Dade County would like to put together a financial package to entice NASCAR to have the championship at Homestead.” However, he also noted that “The city by itself can’t write the check.” The challenge lies in finding the necessary funds while competing with other major events in the area. From Formula 1’s Miami Grand Prix to the College Football Playoff National Championship, Miami’s event calendar is packed with high-profile competitions.
Nov 5, 2023; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson (5) leads driver Ryan Blaney (12) and a group during the Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Homestead Vice Mayor, Sean Fletcher, is pushing for the return of the championship finale to the city. Fletcher said, “We are in very high hopes that Homestead will be the championship host for 2026. It’s a big deal for the city of Homestead. I think it’s the perfect race for the drivers; they love the track. It’s a driver’s racetrack. And that’s a great time of year (in November) to be in South Florida.”
Despite early optimism, the deal hasn’t materialized yet. “There was some maybe some hope that would have come together recently. It hasn’t though as of now.” Bianchi revealed. Without solid financial backing, NASCAR may be hesitant to make the switch. The championship race is a massive economic boost, and cities must prove they can provide the right incentives.
Meanwhile, if the championship was to move from Phoenix, there’s no guarantee that it would be Miami. NASCAR COO Steve O’Donnell pointed out, “So it’s going to be hard to replicate if we were to move, I would not limit something just to Miami if we were to rotate it. I think you’d have a broader look at venues that could host a championship but short term we’re in Phoenix, we’re extremely happy there and we want to make sure that whatever we do, we continue to grow the sport when it relates to the playoffs.”
For now, the future remains uncertain. “As of today, the championship is not set for Homestead in 2026,” Bianchi confirmed. NASCAR hasn’t committed to Phoenix or any other track beyond 2025. While Homestead offers an exciting on-track product, its ability to secure the necessary funding will ultimately decide whether the championship race returns to South Florida.
Another new twist for Championship races?
In recent seasons, NASCAR has introduced the “option tire” to enhance racing dynamics. This softer compound tire offers increased grip, leading to faster lap times. However, it wears out more quickly than the standard primary tire, adding a strategic layer to races. Teams must decide between the immediate advantage of the option tire and the longevity of the primary tire.
The option tire made its debut at the 2024 All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, but the results weren’t great, as Joey Logano led 199 laps to take home the win. This led to further testing at tracks like Richmond Raceway and Phoenix Raceway. At Richmond, the option tire’s introduction resulted in varied pit strategies and increased on-track action. Drivers had to carefully manage tire wear, balancing speed with durability. Daniel Suarez, who finished 10th in that race was impressed with the tires. He said in 2024, “I give a huge credit to NASCAR and to Goodyear for bringing this option tire because it’s a lot of fun. I don’t see why we don’t have an option tire everywhere we go.”
In March 2025, NASCAR and Goodyear announced the return of the option tire for the spring race at Phoenix Raceway. Stu Grant, Goodyear’s general manager of global race tires, stated, “We quite successfully ran an option twice last season so we now get a look at it on a racy, 1-mile track.” This move aimed to provide teams with strategic choices, potentially influencing race outcomes.
The option tire’s impact was evident during the Phoenix race. Drivers experienced increased grip but had to pit more frequently due to faster tire degradation. This scenario led to diverse strategies, with some teams opting for the immediate speed boost, like Joey Logano after an early restart penalty, while others prioritized longer runs on primary tires, saving the options for a late boost of speed in the race. The varying approaches added unpredictability to the race, keeping fans and teams on edge. Ryan Preece drove from 33rd to finish 15th while Zane Smith notched up a top-10 finish.
Looking ahead, NASCAR is considering implementing the option tire for the championship race, but this time as the primary tire. This change could significantly affect how teams approach the season finale. The added strategic element would require teams to adapt quickly, potentially altering traditional championship strategies. As the sport evolves, such innovations aim to enhance competition and fan engagement, ensuring that each race offers fresh challenges and excitement. Do you think the softer tires are a good move for the Phoenix finale? Let us know in the comments!
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