Miami-Dade County is pushing hard to bring NASCAR’s season finale back to Homestead-Miami Speedway for the 2026 season, aiming to reclaim the prestigious event from Phoenix Raceway. According to NASCAR insider Jordan Bianchi, the county is preparing a financial package similar to Super Bowl-style bidding to secure the championship race. However, the deal is far from done, and financial backing remains a key hurdle.
Miami’s Push to Reclaim NASCAR’s Biggest Race
Homestead-Miami Speedway was once the long-standing host of NASCAR’s season finale, staging the championship showdown from 2002 to 2019. The track has a rich history of producing thrilling finishes, and many within the NASCAR community believe it’s the ideal venue to close out the season. But in recent years, Phoenix Raceway has taken over as the final stop, largely due to financial incentives offered by local authorities.
Bianchi, speaking on The Teardown podcast with Jeff Gluck, likened the battle for the championship race to the way cities bid to host the Super Bowl. He emphasized that while NASCAR would love to return to Homestead, the ultimate decision will come down to financial backing.
“NASCAR wants to be here, they would like to have their championship here. But at the end of the day, this is also a business decision,” Bianchi said. “The community, city of Homestead, and Miami-Dade County would like to put together a financial package to entice NASCAR to have the championship at Homestead. They’re working towards that.”
The Financial Factor: How Much is Needed?
The biggest roadblock for Miami-Dade County is the money. NASCAR isn’t just moving its championship race based on nostalgia or track preference—it’s about economics. According to Bianchi, Phoenix has been paying NASCAR anywhere between $5 million and $10 million to host the championship event. If Homestead wants back in, it will have to match or exceed that amount.
“As it stands right now, Miami-Dade County is going to have to kick in something to make this work, and right now they haven’t done that,” Bianchi explained.
It’s unclear exactly how much Miami is willing to put forward. But if the county can’t present an attractive enough offer, the finale will likely remain in Phoenix or potentially move elsewhere.
What’s at Stake for NASCAR?
Beyond financial incentives, there’s the question of which venue provides the best racing experience. Homestead-Miami Speedway is widely regarded as one of NASCAR’s most competitive tracks, with its progressive banking allowing for multiple racing grooves. It has produced legendary championship battles, and many fans and drivers prefer its style of racing over Phoenix Raceway’s more one-dimensional layout.
However, NASCAR’s leadership has been open about considering a variety of factors beyond just track quality. They want an event that draws a crowd, has strong financial support, and aligns with their long-term business goals.
Key considerations include:
- Fan engagement: Homestead has historically drawn strong crowds, but Phoenix has solidified itself as a NASCAR hub in recent years.
- Market impact: Miami’s global appeal could help NASCAR expand its audience, whereas Phoenix benefits from strong regional support.
- Sponsorship deals: Major brands and local partnerships play a significant role in determining the championship location.
Kyle Larson Wins at Homestead Amid Uncertainty Over 2026 Finale
While discussions about the 2026 championship location continue, the Homestead-Miami Speedway hosted a thrilling 2025 Cup Series race over the weekend. Kyle Larson took the checkered flag after a dramatic late-race battle with teammate Alex Bowman, who hit the outside wall in the closing laps.
Here’s how the top finishers stacked up in the Straight Talk Wireless 400:
| Position | Driver |
|---|---|
| 1st | Kyle Larson |
| 2nd | Alex Bowman |
| 3rd | Bubba Wallace |
| 4th | Chase Briscoe |
| 5th | Denny Hamlin |
Bowman led late but struggled with tire wear, allowing Larson to capitalize. It was a much-needed win for Larson, who has faced challenges adapting to the Next Gen car but managed to deliver a strong performance at Homestead.
Will NASCAR Make the Move?
At this point, nothing is set in stone. Miami-Dade County’s proposal remains in progress, and NASCAR officials haven’t made a final decision. But one thing is clear—money talks. If Homestead wants to reclaim its place as the championship finale host, county officials will need to present a compelling financial bid soon.
For now, the waiting game continues.
