Chase Elliott and fellow NASCAR drivers are celebrating the news that Homestead-Miami Speedway will host the Championship Weekend once again, starting in 2026, as NASCAR confirmed the venue’s much-anticipated return. The official announcement marks a major calendar change, moving the ultimate Cup Series showdown from Phoenix Raceway, where the season finale has taken place since 2020, back to the fan-favorite Florida track. The decision has sparked enthusiasm both in the garage and among race fans eager for the energy and challenge Homestead is known to bring.
As the most prominent voice among NASCAR’s roster, Chase Elliott expressed his happiness about the change, saying he believes the rotational approach keeps the schedule fresh and dynamic.
“The idea of rotating the finale was always part of the original intent,”
Elliott remarked, emphasizing the importance of variety for teams and fans alike. His support resonated widely, with drivers and teams echoing the sentiment that Homestead-Miami delivers a unique mix of speed, strategy, and spectacle.
Homestead-Miami Speedway’s return also draws praise from drivers like Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing, who welcomed the move and underscored that a rotation should have been implemented “a long time ago.” Bell’s perspective is informed by his own success at Homestead, where he secured his only Cup Series win in October 2023, finishing the season impressively in fourth overall. For Bell, bringing the championship back to Florida is both nostalgic and forward-looking, signaling a commitment to keep the sport’s biggest event dynamic.
Bubba Wallace, driver of the #23 for 23XI Racing, also shared his excitement, noting that Homestead is a “favourite” among drivers, and highlighted his own two top-ten finishes at the 1.5-mile oval. Wallace emphasized that the track offers plenty of opportunity for excitement and drama, which aligns perfectly with the high stakes of a championship-deciding race. For Wallace and peers, the return to Homestead-Miami is a promising update that shakes up routine and energizes the climax of the NASCAR season.
William Byron, another key Hendrick Motorsports competitor and two-time Daytona 500 winner, also voiced approval for Homestead’s role in the rotation. Building on remarks similar to those from Bell, Byron included Homestead among his top three picks for a championship venue due to its climate and challenging layout. As someone currently second in the Drivers’ standings and who finished twelfth at the track this season, Byron’s endorsement demonstrates the broad appeal and reputation Homestead holds among top contenders.
The move to reintroduce Homestead-Miami as a Championship Weekend host is further supported by NASCAR veteran AJ Allmendinger, who described the venue rotation as “cool” and welcomed the chance for different tracks to host the finale. With over 450 Cup Series starts, Allmendinger’s perspective brings additional weight to the widespread agreement that rotating venues can refresh the sport and spark new rivalries.
Chase Elliott’s reaction, along with feedback from many top competitors, underscores the significance of NASCAR’s decision. The return to Homestead-Miami Speedway not only honors a track with a storied history and competitive spirit, but also reflects NASCAR’s commitment to delivering unforgettable championship moments. As teams and fans look forward to 2026, the positive response suggests that this change will inject fresh excitement into the sport and set the stage for an unpredictably thrilling title finale. With the momentum created by Chase Elliott’s advocacy, anticipation for Homestead’s hosting duties is already building, pointing to a future where each season’s conclusion remains highly anticipated and fiercely contested.
