NASCAR could reportedly start rotating championship races from Phoenix Raceway

NASCAR is reportedly considering rotating championship races from Phoenix Raceway. This means fans could witness the drivers compete for the championship outside the Arizona-based one-mile oval track in the future.

For years, the championship race has been held at Phoenix Raceway or Homestead-Miami Speedway. The former has been the go-to track since 2020, with Joey Logano winning the latest season for his third title.

In a report by Sports Business Journal, NASCAR, led by COO (Chief Operating Officer) Steve O'Donnell, is considering changing the track for the season finale, though the move faces challenges. He argued that Phoenix Raceway was successful in hosting the championship race with soldout tickets.

"So it's going to be hard to replicate, if we were to move," O'Donnell said.

He added:

"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."

The last time NASCAR held the championship race at Homestead-Miami was in 2019, when Kyle Busch won his second Cup Series title.

For 2025, the league will host the season finale at Phoenix Raceway, with the Homestead-Miami race scrapped off the playoffs. As such, fans can only expect a different championship track starting in 2026.

Joey Logano (22) won the 2024 NASCAR championship at Phoenix Raceway - Source: Imagn

While Las Vegas Motor Speedway could reportedly host the championship race in the future, NASCAR could also choose venues outside its ISC (International Speedway Corporation) track portfolio.

---

NASCAR revealed $50 million investment for internet connection at racetracks

Aside from switching up the tracks for the season finale, NASCAR has been initiating new programs to improve fan experience. One of them was the $50 million investment in providing an internet connection to racetracks.

NASCAR president Steve Phelps believes the internet connection could help the sport grow as race fans can instantly share on-track action on social media and reach a wider audience.

"Each of our facilities is hardwired with high-speed opportunities for internet and other opportunities to take robust things that happen on the racetrack, and make sure that race fans are able to share those out in the world," Phelps stated. [0:27]

However, the investment was sufficient for only 12 tracks, which is about half of the tracks on the calendar. Phelps admitted installing an internet connection was a hefty investment.

"But it's expensive. We spent $50 million at our 12 racetracks [for] permanent fiber so there would be strong connectivity." [1:16]

Regardless, the NASCAR chief argued the investment can provide a "more compelling experience" to fans on race weekends.

"We've got to keep up with what is happening there and make sure we are investing into the things that make for a more compelling experience." [1:40]

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season will return at the Daytona International Speedway for the Daytona 500 on February 16 next year.