As NASCAR revealed that the championship finale will return to Homestead-Miami in 2026, followed by a rotation of the venue from 2027 onward, Denny Hamlin did not hold back his reaction. A veteran with Joe Gibbs Racing and an outspoken supporter for change, Denny Hamlin shared his enthusiasm, offering both appreciation for the move and acknowledgment of what Phoenix brought to the series. The announcement, long anticipated by many in the NASCAR community, signals a pivotal shift in the championship’s tradition and sets a new course for future finales.
Denny Hamlin addressed the change during his recent appearance on the Actions Detrimental podcast, where he was joined by two-time champion Kyle Busch. Their discussion highlighted the deep emotions surrounding the shift, especially as both drivers were featured in the promotional material announcing the return to Homestead along with Brad Keselowski. Denny Hamlin’s stance was clear—though Phoenix had invested significantly in upgrading its facilities, reinvigorating the finale with a move back to Miami is a decision he supports.
“I’m glad to see it back at Homestead. Phoenix is a great venue the way they upgraded the facilities. The fan interaction, the fan zone in there is fantastic. They spent money on the facility to upgrade and make it up to Championship standards,”
Hamlin stated, expressing respect for Phoenix’s commitment while celebrating the change he had long advocated.
For years, Phoenix consistently exceeded expectations, with dedicated fans filling the stands for both championship showdowns and regular season races. This unwavering support played a critical role in NASCAR’s decision to remain at the track despite criticism. Even so, Denny Hamlin recognized that Phoenix deserved its period in the spotlight, but emphasized that it was time for a fresh start—one he believes is best realized in Miami.
“The town always supports us, and it’s always crowded, doesn’t matter if it’s spring or the fall Championship race. Phoenix fans show out for us, which is why they deserved to have the Championship race for so long,”
he remarked, blending gratitude with the excitement of change.
The return to Homestead has also been met with approval from other top drivers, including 2020 Cup champion Chase Elliott. After the Kansas Cup race, Elliott was asked about NASCAR’s decision to rotate finale venues—a concept that was part of initial plans for the Chase system. Elliott encouraged NASCAR to choose tracks that would offer the most benefit over the long term. He insisted,
“I think at the end of the day they (NASCAR) kind of have an open box on whatever they want to do. And we have enough of a sample size with the car for the last few years that I think we should be able to make a very educated decision on what would be the most entertaining from a fan perspective and also the most rewarding to make sure you’re crowning a champion.”
His remarks underscored the importance of making research-based decisions rather than emotional ones, ensuring that the crowning moment remains memorable and authentic.
Denny Hamlin’s response, combined with insights from veterans like Elliott, draws attention to the broader significance of NASCAR’s move. The shift is not just a logistical change; it marks an opportunity to enhance the sport’s credibility and excitement. As NASCAR prepares to rotate its championship finale locations, the racing world will be closely watching how these decisions play out, both for competitors and fans. Clearly, the excitement and anticipation around Denny Hamlin’s reaction reflect the energy and passion permeating the sport at this pivotal moment. Only time will tell if the new approach leads to a more dynamic and captivating climax for future NASCAR championships.
