Denny Hamlin has voiced his perspective on the possibility of Homestead-Miami Speedway returning as the next-to-last race in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, a move which could dramatically affect the championship dynamic. Homestead, once the traditional season finale from 2002 to 2019, was replaced by Phoenix Raceway but is now rumored to make a comeback as the host for the pivotal Final 4 weekend, injecting fresh excitement and uncertainty into NASCAR’s playoff structure.
As a respected veteran, Denny Hamlin expressed his thoughts on Actions Detrimental, sharing his vision for how the closing stretch of the championship should be structured. He described Homestead’s possible return as “exciting,” affirming that the track “deserves to comeback” after years on the sidelines. Hamlin supported the idea of a shakeup, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing competition and variance, noting,
when the championship race is at the same venue year after year, it gets a little bit stale.
According to Hamlin, reports from Jordan Bianchi suggest NASCAR is committed to Homestead as the Final 4 site, regardless of financial support from the city. For Hamlin, this demonstrates a renewed focus on delivering intense competition, as well as a willingness to adapt for the benefit of the sport and its fans. Despite his enthusiasm, Denny Hamlin acknowledged Phoenix Raceway’s strengths, pointing out that its infield atmosphere currently outshines Homestead’s, and that the Miami-based facility would likely benefit from significant upgrades to remain competitive as a modern test of champions.
Hamlin also addressed recent advancements at Phoenix, indicating that NASCAR has sourced a tire compound capable of improving the racing spectacle in Arizona. Still, the potential for Homestead to return as a decisive playoff venue has energized both drivers and fans, increasing anticipation around the championship outcome. The decision underscores how Denny Hamlin’s insights influence ongoing discussions about the future of NASCAR’s climactic races, with the move poised to impact the championship’s intensity and unpredictability for seasons to come.
