Homestead-Miami Speedway Returns As Nascar's Championship Race In 2026
Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 The Beast Killer Sunrise Toyota, and Kyle Larson, driver of the ... More No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, lead the field on a pace lap prior to the Nascar Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by) Getty Images
Nascar's championship weekend is about to have a new (but old) look. The sanctioning body on Tuesday announced the long-awaited news that the championship race for all three series will return to Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2026.
Homestead, which is less than an hour south of Miami, lost the season finale race after the 2019 season in lieu of Phoenix Raceway. Not only did Phoenix spent $178 million on a major renovation of the facility, but the city has invested heavily in promoting the race, which has been a sell-out for several years.
'Homestead-Miami Speedway has a history of competitive, championship racing that will provide nostalgia for veteran drivers and fans and exhilaration for Nascar's new generation,' Ben Kennedy, executive vice president, chief venue and racing innovation officer, said in a statement. 'As we move forward, the rotating model will provide new challenges for competitors as well as opportunities for unique venues to host our loyal fans at Nascar Championship Weekend.'
Homestead-Miami Speedway is a popular track for both drivers and fans. The 1.5-mile track puts on fantastic racing, with multiple lanes for drivers to choose from during a 400-mile spectacle.
The three championship races will be held from Nov. 6 to 8, 2026. Phoenix will remain on the schedule with two events.
The Athletic's Jordan Bianchi, who initially broke the news that this will happen, spoke with Homestead vice mayor Sean Fletcher. Fletcher stated that there is 'an estimated $350 million economic boost to the area' for the championship weekend. Bianchi also reported that Phoenix was paying Nascar several million dollars to host the title finale for all three Nascar series.
In 2027, Nascar is expected to announce a different facility as the host of the Championship Weekend. 2026 may be the start of a rotation for the season finale, similar to other sports.
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