Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and current team co-owner Jimmie Johnson supports NASCAR’s decision to relocate the season-ending championship finale from Phoenix to Homestead-Miami Speedway, a move set to start next year, placing the final race near the iconic Miami Beach. Jimmie Johnson supports moving NASCAR championship finale, emphasizing the positive impact of the new venue for both fans and competitors.
Johnson Applauds the Return to Homestead-Miami
Johnson, recently inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame as part of the 2024 class, voiced his enthusiasm about the decision to have Homestead-Miami host the Championship 4 event. He believes the shift from the Arizona desert setting to South Florida is a significant improvement, highlighting the appeal and accessibility of Miami’s renowned beach culture.
Speculation exists within NASCAR circles about the potential for the championship finale to rotate among different venues each year. However, at this stage, the only confirmed change is the return to Homestead-Miami. During his appearance on the “Rubbin’ Is Racing” podcast, Johnson expressed strong approval for making the season finale a traveling spectacle, believing it would draw new interest from fans in various markets.
“I think moving the championship race around is a good idea,”
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
He elaborated on his reasoning, pointing out that new host cities could generate excitement and attract larger audiences to witness racing’s most important event in person.
“Whenever you come to a new market and have such a moment taking place, you get a lot of interest and people want to come see it. So I think that’s a good move.”
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Personal Success at Homestead Fuels Johnson’s Support
For Johnson, Homestead-Miami holds special meaning beyond its geographical perks. The iconic Florida track played a central role in his career, serving as the site where he secured each of his seven Cup Series championships. This success gives him a personal stake in the return of the finale to Homestead.
“I clearly am very biased for Homestead,”
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
“I’ve had so much success down there and won all seven of my championships there.”
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Johnson also referenced the recent NASCAR All-Star Race held at North Wilkesboro, pointing to the quality of racing there as the kind of excitement fans want to see when a title is on the line.
“Watching (the NASCAR All-Star Race last week at) North Wilkesboro, that was a damn good show, and I think that’s what people want to have for a championship race,”
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Ensuring Fairness in Track Selection
While Johnson supports rotating the championship venue, he cautions that NASCAR must be selective about which tracks are used to decide the champion. He believes the final race should avoid unpredictable venues that could put the outcome beyond drivers’ control, specifically referencing superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega, as well as chaotic road courses and short tracks.
He discussed the challenges of racing at tracks that increase the chance of accidents and randomness, emphasizing the need for fairness and a true test of a team’s and driver’s ability.
“I think that a superspeedway race would be the one where (a championship-deciding race) shouldn’t happen, there’s just so much outside of a driver’s control,”
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
According to Johnson, superspeedways might be suitable as cut-off races within the playoffs but not for determining the series champion. He highlighted the importance of venues that allow skills to prevail rather than those susceptible to luck or accidents.
Other Locations on Johnson’s Mind
Johnson revealed that during a recent NASCAR owners meeting, officials discussed various options for future championship venues. He mentioned Kansas Speedway as a contender, noting its competitive mile-and-a-half layout and history of dramatic finishes. However, he acknowledged concerns over potentially unpredictable November weather conditions and suggested that more deliberation would be needed before making additional changes.
“I didn’t get too far down the road but when I think about Kansas and how racy that mile and a half is. That’s one that came to mind quickly,”
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
“We seem to have really good finishes there, so maybe that’s it for now — but I need to do some more thinking about it.”
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Ultimately, Johnson sees challenges and benefits in rotating the season finale, but he appreciates NASCAR’s willingness to consider changes for the sport’s future. He expressed support for a flexible approach, recognizing that no single track may offer a perfect solution every year.
“It’s hard to pick one so I do like the idea of moving it around,”
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Broader Implications of NASCAR’s Move
With the schedule change, NASCAR aims to deliver a championship event that is both fair and engaging for fans and competitors alike. The shift to Homestead-Miami Speedway, strongly backed by Jimmie Johnson, may revitalize fan enthusiasm and provide a fitting stage for the season’s climax. As conversations continue among NASCAR’s owners and leaders, possible future rotations of the championship location are being evaluated to ensure the most deserving drivers and teams have the chance to compete for the ultimate prize under optimal conditions. This decision marks an important chapter in the ongoing evolution of NASCAR’s most significant race weekend.
