Motorsports
NASCAR championship weekend goes to Homestead in 2026, starting a rotating formula
MIAMI – NASCAR asked its fans where they would prefer seeing championship weekend held, and the majority of those who responded picked Homestead-Miami Speedway. And NASCAR listened. The 2026 NASCAR season will end in South Florida, with stock car racing’s championship weekend returning to Homestead-Miami next year. It’ll be the first time since 2019 that […]

MIAMI – NASCAR asked its fans where they would prefer seeing championship weekend held, and the majority of those who responded picked Homestead-Miami Speedway.
And NASCAR listened.
The 2026 NASCAR season will end in South Florida, with stock car racing’s championship weekend returning to Homestead-Miami next year. It’ll be the first time since 2019 that the title-winners will be crowned there and will start a rotation where NASCAR will move its final weekend around various tracks.
How that’ll work in 2027 and beyond remains unclear. But in 2026, Homestead is the spot.
“I like that we move it around,” said reigning NASCAR champion Joey Logano, who won the crown last fall at Phoenix — this year’s title-deciding spot as well — and the first of his three titles at Homestead-Miami in 2018. “That was one of the things that I always thought would be a great idea if we were able to pull it off, right? The Super Bowl doesn’t stay in the same place every year. Why should our Super Bowl, our championship race, stay in same place every year?”
NASCAR made the announcement Tuesday, and it was not exactly a stunner. (“I’m sure everyone was surprised to see this coming,” Logano said, smiling.) Its three series — the truck series, the Xfinity Series and the Cup Series — will see their seasons come to a close at Homestead from Nov. 6-8, 2026.
It isn’t a permanent return, though: NASCAR said that championship weekends are going to be on a rotation “to ensure that the season’s exciting conclusion is shared amongst NASCAR’s marquee venues and key markets.” Phoenix will be part of that rotation, somehow, but NASCAR isn’t ready to say which other tracks may be involved and when all that will be announced.
“We have a lot of confidence, when we go to Homestead-Miami Speedway, it’s going to deliver from a racing product perspective,” NASCAR executive vice president Ben Kennedy said. “It’s also going to create a good amount of unpredictability for many of our fans that come to that race or tune in on TV just going to a different championship venue and having it on the line. We’re excited to see all that.”
Part of NASCAR’s commitment to Homestead-Miami, Kennedy said, includes a capital investment to “make sure it is a championship-caliber facility when we show up next year.”
NASCAR routinely makes tweaks to schedules and now will tinker again with where seasons end, but one non-negotiable appears to be the start of the season: Daytona will remain the first points race for the foreseeable future, Kennedy said.
“We ran a survey a couple years ago, and it was over 95% of our fan base wants to see their first points race be the Daytona 500,” Kennedy said. “That was a statistic that was strong enough for us to say we’re not even going to explore that for now.”
Homestead-Miami was the championship weekend site from 2002 through 2019. There are three active drivers who were crowned NASCAR champions at Homestead — Kyle Busch in 2015 and 2019, Brad Keselowski in 2012 and Logano in 2018. Logano has also won the title at Phoenix in two of the last three seasons, including last year.
And all seven of Jimmie Johnson’s NASCAR titles came at Homestead, which has renamed a tunnel in his honor to commemorate those championships.
“If you’re asking drivers, it’s about the track, right? The environment obviously is really cool. It’s different being in Miami. That’s a neat thing,” Logano said. “But the drivers, what we care about is the racing, right? Can we move around the racetrack, can we do different things, are the tires falling off, is that fun. To us, yeah, that’s fun.”
NASCAR decided after the 2001 season to move its truck and Cup series races to one track, in order to create a season-ending championship celebration. Homestead-Miami was the original site after that decision, and then things moved to Phoenix starting in 2020.
Kennedy said racing in early November isn’t exactly possible at all of the tracks on the NASCAR schedule, meaning that the series would prefer a warm-weather climate for its finish — something that Phoenix and Homestead-Miami provide. And Homestead-Miami’s history isn’t lost on NASCAR, either.
“Homestead has put on some of the most phenomenal finishes, especially when we had the championship there,” Kennedy said. “But even since then, and we’ve crowned so many legends and Hall of Famers over the past 15 years when we did have the championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway. So, competition is a part of it, variability, and I think diversity in where you’re crowning the champion was another consideration.”
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Motorsports
NASCAR adjusts Mexico City schedule after travel issues
NASCAR has adjusted the Friday and Saturday schedule in Mexico City after multiple industry members could not leave Charlotte, N.C., because of flight issues. The travel issues occurred on Thursday, when the majority of the industry headed for Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. However, with two aircraft experiencing issues, multiple Xfinity Series and Cup Series teams and […]

NASCAR has adjusted the Friday and Saturday schedule in Mexico City after multiple industry members could not leave Charlotte, N.C., because of flight issues.
The travel issues occurred on Thursday, when the majority of the industry headed for Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. However, with two aircraft experiencing issues, multiple Xfinity Series and Cup Series teams and some drivers are still in Charlotte or looking elsewhere for flights to Mexico.
As such, NASCAR has pushed Xfinity Series practice from Friday to Saturday. Cup Series practice was shifted to later in the day on Friday, and, because of the change to Saturday’s schedule of events, Cup Series qualifying moved back that day. Sunday’s schedule has not changed.
Friday will now be as follows:
- The first NASCAR Mexico Series race will be at 11:30am local time
- Cup Series practice (there will be two) has shifted to 2:05pm and 3:30pm local time
- Xfinity Series practice moves to Saturday
Saturday will now be as follows:
- Xfinity Series teams will have a 50-minute practice at 9:05am local time
- Xfinity Series qualifying will be at 10:10am local time
- Cup Series qualifying has been moved to 12:05pm local time
- The second NASCAR Mexico Series race has been shifted to 5pm local time
Mexico City is in the Mountain time zone. It is two hours behind the East Coast.
The original weekend schedule would have put Xfinity Series and Cup Series teams on track Friday for the first time, with each series receiving two practice sessions. Saturday would have then seen qualifying for both series and the Xfinity Series race, the first for that series since 2008 in Mexico City.
Sunday is the inaugural event for the Cup Series in Mexico.
Motorsports
Ferrari goes 1-2 in Thursday night practice at Le Mans
In the final hour of night practice for the 93rd Le Mans 24 Hours, Ferrari finished 1-2 on the leaderboard to shake off a lackluster effort in Hyperpole. Robert Kubica set the pace in the yellow No. 83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P with a 3m26.523s, followed by the factory-run red No. 50 Ferrari 499P. Cadillacs […]

In the final hour of night practice for the 93rd Le Mans 24 Hours, Ferrari finished 1-2 on the leaderboard to shake off a lackluster effort in Hyperpole.
Robert Kubica set the pace in the yellow No. 83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P with a 3m26.523s, followed by the factory-run red No. 50 Ferrari 499P.
Cadillacs took up three of the next four spots in the running order with the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R in third, the No. 38 Hertz Team JOTA Cadillac in fourth, and the No. 12 JOTA Cadillac, the pole-sitting car for Sunday, in sixth behind the No. 6 Porsche Penske Motorsport 963.
The No. 48 VDS Panis Racing ORECA 07-Gibson led LMP2; Toyota-backed young driver Esteban Masson set a 3m38.302s to lead the class, followed by the No. 29 TDS Racing ORECA and the No. 183 AF Corse ORECA.
And in LMGT3, Jose Maria Lopez put the No. 87 Akkodis ASP Team Lexus RC F LMGT3 in first place with a 3m55.057s – leading the No. 10 Racing Spirit of Leman Aston Martin and the No. 54 Vista AF Corse Ferrari.
Brenton Grove had only completed one lap in his No. 63 Iron Lynx Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 when the car came to a halt at the exit of the first Mulsanne Chicane. On its own, it wasn’t what the Grove family-fronted entry needed, after changing chassis following Stephen’s big Free Practice 1 crash.
And with the lack of sufficient night-time running last night and tonight, it puts the crew of the No. 63 Mercedes-AMG in a very difficult position just to be able to race on Saturday and Sunday.
There was drama later on for the No. 23 United Autosports ORECA – with 15 minutes to go, Daniel Schneider suffered a right-front puncture and stopped along the Mulsanne Straight to bring out a Full Course Yellow.
In the interim, the No. 15 Team WRT BMW M Hybrid V8 limped back to the garage after just one lap with a reported cooling system issue.
Towards the end, Zacharie Robichon reported a potential drivetrain issue for the LMGT3 pole-sitting No. 27 Heart of Racing Team Aston Martin Vantage LMGT3, but the car returned to the track in time for the checkered flag.
RESULTS
Motorsports
Yamaha OAI Expands Off-Road Access Support with $387,000 Grants
Yamaha Motor Corp., USA awarded over $387,000 in grants through its Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI). The company supported off-road access support efforts to protect and improve OHV opportunities across the U.S. These efforts focused on large-scale projects in Oregon and Georgia. “Yamaha continues to support a range of projects that address challenges to outdoor […]

Yamaha Motor Corp., USA awarded over $387,000 in grants through its Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI). The company supported off-road access support efforts to protect and improve OHV opportunities across the U.S. These efforts focused on large-scale projects in Oregon and Georgia.
“Yamaha continues to support a range of projects that address challenges to outdoor recreation, and we’re eager to partner with those who share our passion for building and protecting access to the spaces we all enjoy,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha Motorsports marketing director. “It’s gratifying to see these collaborative efforts evolve into large-scale projects that help make outdoor recreation accessible to everyone.”
Major OHV Investments Receive Off-Road Access Support
This quarter, Yamaha OAI grants supported 12 projects. The list included major OHV riding areas and trail systems in Oregon. The Great Outdoors Fund (supported by Florence Motorsports) received funding for Phase Two of an OHV signage project. The project will expand across the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area to promote safety, stewardship and regulations.
The Rogue Valley SxS Club (supported by Waterworld Boat and Powersport) will use its grant for trail maintenance. The club will focus on clearing the 270-mile Prospect OHV trail system and removing downed trees from designated trails.
OHV Construction and Conservation (supported by Power Motorsports) will create a loop trail around Tillamook State Forest’s OHV area. The “Tour of the Tillamook Powered by Yamaha” project includes trail development, maintenance and new signage. This project includes 49 trails: 17 double-track, 13 4×4 and 19 single-track routes.
The Georgia Recreational Trail Riders Association (supported by Cycle Specialty) received funding for trail improvements across the state. The group will maintain more than six motorized trails and riding areas. Their work includes bridge repair, culvert installation and new signage.
Yamaha OAI grant funds will also protect California’s historic Perris Raceway (supported by Langston Motorsports). Additionally, the initiative will continue supporting the All Kids Bike program for kindergartners nationwide.
Additional Recipients
Yamaha OAI also awarded Q1 2025 grants to the following organizations:
- Burbank Police Department
- Everything Outdoor Fest — D2 Powersports (Spartanburg, South Carolina)
- Riley Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation — Brooks Yamaha Inc. (Manhattan, Kansas)
- Stewards of the Sierra National Forest Inc. — Clawson Motorsports (Fresno, California)
- Truckee Dirt Riders — Michael’s Reno Powersports (Reno, Nevada)
Yamaha OAI continues accepting quarterly grant applications to fund urgent access projects and land rehabilitation. The initiative prioritizes safe OHV use, trail and land maintenance, and sustainable access to public lands.
The application deadline for the second quarter of 2025 is June 30. Yamaha invites land managers, riding clubs, and stewardship organizations to apply.
Motorsports
NASCAR Chicago Street Race lands Arby’s as sponsor
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race has landed Arby’s as the sponsor. On Wednesday, NASCAR announced the fast-food chain will join the league as the newest founding partner of the race, which will take place at Chicago’s Grant Park on Sunday, July 6. Arby’s is no stranger to NASCAR as it serves as an anchor partner […]
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race has landed Arby’s as the sponsor. On Wednesday, NASCAR announced the fast-food chain will join the league as the newest founding partner of the race, which will take place at Chicago’s Grant Park on Sunday, July 6. Arby’s is no stranger to NASCAR as it serves as an anchor partner for Rick Ware Racing (RWR) and driver Cody Ware in the Cup Series.
“It’s a watershed moment anytime you have a new brand joining the sport for the first time, especially when it’s a partner like Arby’s with such a unique, recognizable brand,” Craig Stimmel, Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer, NASCAR, said in a press release. “The fact that we’re welcoming Arby’s to NASCAR on the streets of Chicago speaks to the tremendous momentum behind the NASCAR Chicago Street Race and the sport overall.”
More on Arby’s and the Chicago Street Race
“Arby’s is thrilled to hit the track as a Founding Partner of the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race,” Jeff Baker, Chief Marketing Officer at Arby’s, said. “This marks an exciting moment for our brand in the world of motorsports, with one of the most dynamic and groundbreaking events in racing. Nothing goes better with NASCAR than one of our delicious Arby’s sandwiches, and we can’t wait to bring the meats to the streets for race fans and Arby’s fans in Chicago and beyond.
Arby’s joins Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and Xfinity’s Xumo brand as the third Founding Partner of the 2025 Chicago Street Race. The restaurant was founded in 1964 and has 3,600 locations around the world. Its main headquarters are located in Atlanta.
“Arby’s is all about bringing joy to their fans, and that’s exactly our goal with the NASCAR Chicago Street Race,” Julie Giese, NASCAR Chicago Street Race President, said. “As anticipation rises in the Chicago market, we know that Arby’s will be a perfect fit for the fun and enjoyment that we plan to bring back to Grant Park this Independence Day Weekend.”
The Chicago Street Race began in 2023 and Shane van Gisbergen won the Cup Series event that year. Alex Bowman won the race in 2024.
Motorsports
NASCAR commissioner snubbed as PGA Tour set to hire prominent NFL figure as CEO – Motorsport – Sports
The PGA Tour is reportedly on the verge of appointing NFL executive vice president Brian Rolapp as its new CEO, a move aimed at bolstering commissioner Jay Monahan’s leadership, ESPN reports. Monahan had announced last year that the PGA Tour was in search of a new CEO for the 2025 season, with hopes of a […]

The PGA Tour is reportedly on the verge of appointing NFL executive vice president Brian Rolapp as its new CEO, a move aimed at bolstering commissioner Jay Monahan’s leadership, ESPN reports. Monahan had announced last year that the PGA Tour was in search of a new CEO for the 2025 season, with hopes of a merger agreement with LIV Golf.
However, the new season kicked off without a fresh face at the helm, leading to increased scrutiny of Monahan’s leadership, particularly from two-time PGA Tour winner Andrew Landry. Several high-profile names were considered for the position, including NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps and TaylorMade Golf CEO David Abeles. But it appears Rolapp, who has spent 22 years with the NFL, is set to make the switch to the PGA Tour.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Seth Wickersham report that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed Rolapp’s departure in a memo sent to team executives and presidents on Thursday. The PGA Tour is expected to finalize Rolapp’s appointment during a board meeting on Monday.
Rolapp, who played a key role in the NFL’s recent growth spurt, has been touted as a potential successor to Goodell. Despite his impending move to the PGA Tour, it’s anticipated that he will remain a top contender for the NFL commissioner role when Goodell eventually steps down.
Monahan revealed last year a search for a fresh CEO in a heartfelt note to PGA Tour followers at the season’s conclusion. “We’re bringing new perspectives onto our team to help realize the incredible opportunities ahead for our sport,” he penned.
“Including launching a search for a CEO of the PGA Tour. We can learn so much from across the world of sport and entertainment and I’m excited to meet candidates for this important new role.”
Rolapp, who’s been with the NFL for over two decades and has held his current position since 2017, previously served as the NFL’s chief operating officer and as senior vice president of media strategy and digital media.
The departing NFL executive has played a key part in securing advertisement contracts, arranging television deals, and managing league sponsorships, raking in more than $10 billion annually for the league. Now Rolapp takes on the mission to navigate the PGA Tour, amid ongoing talks with rival LIV Golf.
Discussions on merging continue, albeit with no substantial progress since the initial agreement paperwork in June 2023. While Monahan holds out hope for a merger, golf champion Rory McIlroy remains skeptical.
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“Look, I think it takes two to tango,” remarked McIlroy. “So if one party is willing and ready and the other isn’t, it sort of makes it tough. I think the narrative around golf would welcome a deal in terms of just having all the best players together again.”
PGA luminary Bryson DeChambeau weighed in on the tour’s dynamics, opining: “But I don’t think the PGA Tour needs a deal. I think it would still be the ideal scenario for golf as a whole. But from a pure PGA Tour perspective, I don’t think it necessarily needs it.”
While at an event in Hong Kong, the LIV Golf star shared his vision saying, “I continue to see LIV Golf growing. It’s going to grow at an exponentiating pace for years to come, and we aren’t going anywhere.”
Motorsports
Loek Hartog to tackle three 24-hour races in three weeks
Photo credit: Porsche Defending Carrera Cup North America champion Loek Hartog will embark on an unprecedented three-week endurance challenge this summer. Fresh off his 2024 title in Kellymoss’s Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, the 22-year-old Dutch driver will contest the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Manthey Racing (June 14–15), the Nürburgring 24 Hours with Dinamic […]


Photo credit: Porsche
Defending Carrera Cup North America champion Loek Hartog will embark on an unprecedented three-week endurance challenge this summer. Fresh off his 2024 title in Kellymoss’s Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, the 22-year-old Dutch driver will contest the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Manthey Racing (June 14–15), the Nürburgring 24 Hours with Dinamic GT (June 21–22) and the Spa 24 Hours with Rutronik Racing (June 28–29).
Hartog’s Le Mans drive marks his debut at the French classic, where he will pilot the 911 GT3 R alongside seasoned Manthey engineers. He then heads to Germany for his first appearance at the Nürburgring race before returning to Spa for a second outing on the Belgian circuit. Each event will test his endurance skills and ability to collaborate within multi-driver teams.
Last year, Hartog dominated the 16-round Carrera Cup season, claiming seven wins and eight pole positions en route to a championship margin exceeding 100 points. He also competed on both sides of the Atlantic in Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe. In 2025 he has added GT4 America duties for ACI Motorsports as a co-driver in the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport.
“Three big 24-hour races back to back are a new level of intensity,” Hartog said. “My sprint-race experience taught me to push boundaries, but endurance racing is about teamwork, consistency and staying present.” He has set his sights on advancing to the IMSA WeatherTech grid by 2026, aiming to leverage factory support and strong partnerships with gentleman drivers.
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