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Various tracks have hosted the NASCAR finale in the sport’s past, but only four currently on the schedule have ever held the honor before. But none held it longer than Homestead, hosting the championship-decider every year between 2002 and 2019.

The season finale has become increasingly important in the past decade due to the introduction of the knockout-style playoff format. Four drivers, equal on points, enter the finale each year in a one-race battle to win it all. The same organization has won the title at Phoenix all three years of the Next Gen era and several have been critical of the track’s ability to put on a show. The track did make several impressive upgrades, the city did plenty of promotion, but the racing product has been lacking.

This week, NASCAR’s Ben Kennedy talked about what it takes to be considered for the finale as the sport embarks on this plan to rotate the 36th points-paying race of the year. Some of the keys: Must be located in a attractive market, a decent climate for November, a strong on-track product, and a lack of a wildcard factor.

Based on Kennedy’s comments, superspeedways and road courses are out of the question for the immediate future. So that leaves us with intermediates and short tracks, but the short track package has been severely lacking in recent years. Excluding Homestead and Phoenix, let’s take a look at the other tracks that are possible frontrunners to join this rotating schedule and one day become the season finale.

1. Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Las Vegas is a huge market with a lot of eyeballs, which is a major plus, but LVMS is also a thrilling intermediate track with great racing. The current generation of car races best at these 1.5-mile ovals, and Vegas has shown interest in hosting the finale before. There’s also minimal danger of a rainout, so it’s hard to envision a reason not to give it a try. 

2. Charlotte Motor Speedway

This city is the heartbeat of the NASCAR world and already hosts a crown jewel with the Coke 600 in May. And what better place to crown the champion of NASCAR than in NASCAR’s own backyard? While the fall race currently takes place on the Roval, a return to the oval layout needs to happen if CMS become the title-decider. And yes, as another intermediate oval, there should be no concern over the on-track product.

3. Kansas Speedway

Not the most flashy of places, but there’s no denying that Kansas is the action track of modern NASCAR. Nearly every race there in recent years has been filled to the brim with drama. It’s similar to Vegas in some ways, but also unique as the art of running right against the wall is key to be fast. It also holds the record for the closest finish in the entire history of the Cup Series, set when Kyle Larson beat Chris Buescher by 0.001s in 2024.

4. Nashville Superspeedway

Please ignore the official track name as it’s not a true superspeedway, but a unique intermediate track. This is a market that also loves its NASCAR. The summer race at Nashville has only graced the series’ schedule for a few years, but it has quickly become one of the more popular ones and has produced several great moments. And there’s that iconic guitar gifted to the race winner. Nashville is also different from most of the other larger ovals on the schedule as a concrete track measuring 1.330 miles in length. And it’s Nashville, which has hosted the end-of-year banquet before, so why not the finale?

5. Darlington Raceway

Like Charlotte, Darlington already hosts a crown jewel — the oldest in NASCAR with the Southern 500 dating back to 1950. Yes, Darlington is dripping with history, but it’s also one of the most difficult tracks on the entire schedule. The track never fails to put on a show and it is unforgiving when drivers make mistakes. As a true challenge for the best drivers in the sport, it’s the perfect place for putting the Championship 4 to the ultimate test. But there is a drawback: You would have to move the Southern 500 from its traditional Labor Day weekend slot, and it’s not exactly a thriving market either.

6. Texas Motor Speedway

People definitely have reasons to be hesitant about Texas, but we also can’t ignore the benefits either. It’s located in the heart of Texas near a city of one million people and despite the botched reconfiguration, the circuit has put on some dramatic shows in recent years — mostly due to how challenging the track is to navigate. It’s also in a great location when looking at November. The track is aging well and while passing is difficult, but the recent Cup races there don’t really classify as ‘boring.’ Certainly not a favorite, but one that NASCAR surely has to consider (after the five ahead of it of course).

7. Richmond Raceway

We have sort of run out of realistic intermediate tracks at this point. And as much as I’d love to throw Michigan on this list, the weather holds me back. If only there was another track similar to Michigan that has great November weather…perhaps one located in California. Unfortunately, that track is now lost to us, and when looking at short tracks, this one is leading the way. It’s easier to pass than at a Martinsville and if there were multiple tire compounds like we saw in 2024, then we could really be in for a show. It’s location is great and the weather should be fine in Virginia. 

8. Bristol Motor Speedway

Bristol looks like a title-decider and it feels like a title-decider. It has everything you could want when talking about atmosphere, but the track has seen some dull races with this car. If NASCAR can fix the short track package, Bristol would vault forward on this list, but at this time, eighth is the best we can do for the ‘Last Great Colosseum.’ 

9. Martinsville Speedway

Already close to the end of the year, Martinsville was once a place — like Bristol — where action was guaranteed. It too has suffered with the current short track package and likely shouldn’t be considered unless a fix is found. Passing is almost impossible and excluding Ross Chastain heroic wall-ride, it has been lacking in drama. Bonuses are its deep roots in the sport and weather-friendly location.

10. A track yet to join the schedule

We’ll call this the mystery spot. NASCAR is always tweaking their schedule and who knows what tracks out there could end up as part of the 36-race season in the future. Gateway and Iowa recently joined and there are plenty of other circuits out there.

America’s largest injury law firm, Morgan & Morgan, has renewed its multi-year, multi-race partnership with Richard Childress Racing (RCR). The renewal continues a historic sponsorship in the NASCAR Cup Series that started in 2023.

This pioneering partnership has flourished through a shared focus on cause-driven marketing and a community-first business approach.

Kyle Busch Lands Multi-Race Sponsorship As Morgan & Morgan Expands NASCAR Investment

Under the renewed partnership, Busch will once again drive the No. 8 Morgan & Morgan Chevrolet. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion will debut the 2025 paint scheme at the Cook Out Southern 500 in Darlington on Aug. 31.

“Richard Childress Racing has been an incredible partner to us for the past two years, and we’re thrilled to be able to extend our partnership,” said Dan Morgan, Managing Partner at Morgan & Morgan.

“RCR and their drivers share the same values and passion that we do as a firm in giving back to the community, and we’re excited to continue to work together. We know that Kyle has some of the best fans in NASCAR, and we’re excited to see him continuing to represent Morgan & Morgan on the track beginning with Darlington Raceway in August,” he added.

At its heart, the partnership is built on common ground: a belief in family, integrity, and giving back—principles that both Morgan & Morgan and RCR proudly stand behind.

“We pride ourselves on innovative partnerships and look forward to continuing our relationship with Morgan & Morgan,” said Richard Childress, chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing.

“The firm’s family focus and commitment to the communities they serve aligns well with the way we operate our team. We value their support and look forward to building additional success together,” he added.

Kyle and Brexton Busch Feature in Morgan & Morgan Ad

Morgan & Morgan celebrated its renewed RCR partnership with a brilliant ad featuring Kyle and his son, Brexton Busch, which was well received on social media.

In the half-minute-long ad, viewers saw the risks of school zones brought to life: speeding vehicles, distracted drivers, and the erratic movement of children. Kyle faced these challenges as he arrived at the scene in his car.

The ad then reveals Morgan & Morgan’s track record of recovering over $25 billion for their clients, before ending with a lighthearted exchange between Kyle and Brexton. Kyle shared the video across his social media accounts, writing:

“There’s a reason I hate school zones. Just like there’s a reason Morgan & Morgan @ForThePeople is America’s Largest Injury Law Firm. #ForThePeople #ad”

All Times Eastern

NASCAR CUP SERIES

AdventHealth 400

Site: Kansas City, Kansas.

Schedule: Saturday, practice, 4:30 p.m., qualifying, 5:40 p.m.; Sunday, race, 3 p.m. (FS1).

Track: Kansas Speedway.

Race distance: 267 laps, 400.5 miles.

Last year: Kyle Larson edged Chris Buescher by .0001 seconds in a photo finish win that broke the record for closest finish in Cup Series history.

Last race: Reigning Cup champion Joey Logano earned his first win of the season in overtime at Texas after passing Michael McDowell with seven to go.

Next race: May 18, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

NASCAR XFINITY SERIES

Last race: Kyle Larson earned his second series win this season after a late pass of Sam Mayer in a double-overtime finish at Texas.

Next race: May 24, Concord, North Carolina.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES

Heart of America 200

Site: Kansas City, Kansas.

Schedule: Saturday, practice, 2:05 p.m., qualifying, 3:10 p.m., race, 7:30 p.m. (FS1).

Track: Kansas Speedway.

Race distance: 134 laps, 201 miles.

Last year: Dominating with a race-high 79 laps, Corey Heim survived a late surge from Zane Smith earning him his second win of the season.

Last race: Corey Heim battled Rhodes and Hemric three wide on the final lap in double overtime to hang on for the win in Texas.

Next race: May 17, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

FORMULA ONE

Last race: Oscar Piastri took control away from Verstappen with over 40 laps to go in Miami, earning the championship leader his third-straight win and fourth of the season.

Next race: May 18, Imola, Italy.

Online: http://www.formula1.com

INDYCAR

Sonsio Grand Prix

Site: Indianapolis.

Schedule: Friday, practice, 9:30 a.m., practice, 1 p.m., qualifications, 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, warmup, 11:30 a.m., race, 4:30 p.m. (FOX).

Track: IMS Road Course.

Race distance: 85 laps, 207.32 miles.

Last year: Out of the pole position Alex Palou scored his first victory of the year after taking the lead mid-race and sending him to the top of the standings.

Last race: Palou captured his third win of the year in Birmingham, dominating nearly the entire race and leading 81 of 90 laps.

Next race: May 25, Indianapolis.

Online: http://www.indycar.com

NHRA DRAG RACING

Next race: May 18, Elwood, Illinois.

Online: http://www.nhra.com

WORLD OF OUTLAWS

Gettysburg Clash

Site: Abbottstown, Pennsylvania.

Track: Lincoln Speedway (Pa.).

HVAC Distributors Morgan Cup

Site: Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

Track: Williams Grove Speedway.

Next events: May 14 – 15, Ohsweken, Ontario, Conneaut, Ohio, Marion Center, Pennsylvania, Bedford, Pennsylvania, Cornwall, Ontario.

Online: http://worldofoutlaws.com

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NASCAR still wants to expand internationally with its top series, but moving the preseason Clash event will not happen next year.

Ben Kennedy, NASCAR executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovation officer, said on Tuesday that  it’s“more than likely it will stay domestic” in 2026. The full schedule for 2026 will be released in the coming months, including the location of the Clash, which had been rumored to possibly be heading to Brazil.

“I wouldn’t ever rule out international in the future, though,” Kennedy said. “We have thoughts about a lot of it being prior to the season, in the off-season, an exhibition race. It’s a great opportunity for us to bring NASCAR racing to other parts of the world. I think it’s going to be something that we’ll continue to consider, but at least for now, we’ll more than likely keep it domestic.”

Bowman Gray Stadium hosted the Clash in February. It was the first time a NASCAR Cup Series race had been run at the track since 1971.

NASCAR had held the Clash at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum for three years (2022-2024) before bringing it to North Carolina. Prior to L.A., the event had a home in Daytona during Speedweeks from 1979 through 2021.

Regardless of venue or country, NASCAR is aiming to keep the Clash as a season kickoff event.

“I think we’ll continue to have the Clash prior to the (Daytona) 500,” Kennedy said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to build up some momentum in anticipation for our biggest event of the year, the Daytona 500, and the new season ahead. We’ll continue to keep it in that spot.”

There was nothing major on the NASCAR penalty report from over the weekend at Texas Motor Speedway beyond one Xfinity Series loose or unsecured post-race lug nut infraction.

This time, however, was a little more several than the usual $5000 fine for a single loose lug nut. Two nuts were unsecured on the No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet driven by Daniel Dye. That results in a $10,000 fine and a suspension to crew chief Kevin Walter, who will miss the next race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

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These infractions and penalties fall under section 8.8.10.4a in the NASCAR Rule Book.

There was nothing listed from the Wurth 400 Cup Series race held on Sunday.

Also Read:: NASCAR championship rotation will not include these specific track types

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