Nascar is set to make a significant change to its championship weekend in 2026, with Homestead-Miami Speedway expected to host the season finale for the first time since 2019. This move marks a potential shift in how Nascar approaches the culmination of its season, as sources indicate the sanctioning body is considering a rotational format for its title-deciding race, beginning as early as 2027.
From 2002 to 2019, Homestead served as the definitive venue for Nascar’s championship weekend, hosting the final races for the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Truck Series. The South Florida track became synonymous with season-ending drama and celebrations, but it lost that role to Phoenix Raceway in 2020 as Nascar sought to diversify its venues and fan outreach.
Now, according to a report from The Athletic, Nascar is preparing to bring the finale back to Homestead for the 2026 season. The return is expected to be temporary, however, with the race likely rotating to a new venue in 2027 as part of a broader strategy to keep the championship weekend dynamic and exciting. Both Homestead and Phoenix are anticipated to be included in this future rotation.
While Phoenix may be losing its exclusive grip on the finale, the Arizona track is not being pushed aside. It will still retain two dates on the 2026 calendar, maintaining its prominence on the Nascar schedule and its importance to the sport.
Homestead-Miami Speedway President Guillermo Santa Cruz has been vocal about his desire to see the championship return to his facility. “It’s definitely something I want to see happen,” he said in a recent interview. “And I’m hopeful in the not-too-distant future the championship will come back.”
Previous attempts to bring back the finale to Homestead were hindered by a lack of financial backing and logistical concerns. However, Nascar now appears willing to shoulder the necessary costs to make the 2026 event a success, signaling a shift in priorities as the organization looks to revive the energy and legacy associated with Homestead finales.
Rockingham Revival: A Step Toward Cup Series Return?
In related news, Rockingham Speedway is also drawing attention as a potential future host for Cup Series races. The North Carolina track, which last held a Cup event in 2004, recently staged a successful revival weekend featuring both the Xfinity and Truck Series. The event was met with enthusiasm from fans and stakeholders alike, sparking renewed conversation about a full-time return to Nascar’s top-tier schedule.
Bob Sargent, CEO of Track Enterprises and the individual coordinating communications between Rockingham and Nascar, is optimistic. “Yes, absolutely, [Rockingham could return],” Sargent said in an interview with The Charlotte Observer. “With the caveat that Nascar is a big, worldwide entity, and when you look at dates, there are only so many.”
He noted that geographic distribution, existing contracts, and the overall structure of the schedule are all factors in determining whether Rockingham can make a full comeback. “There’s no magic wand,” he said. “But I feel comfortable saying we’ve done everything we needed to do.”
Sargent concluded with a hopeful tone: “It’s a process. But we are on the radar. We are in that process.”
As Nascar continues to adapt its schedule and explore fresh ideas for engaging fans, the developments at Homestead and Rockingham suggest a growing openness to blending tradition with innovation. Whether through rotating finales or resurrecting historic tracks, the future of the Cup Series looks to be entering an era of renewed energy and evolving narratives.
