Ever since 2020, NASCAR decided to change the venue of the final race from Homestead to Phoenix. The governing body used Homestead for the finals and although there has been a rotation in the past, they came decades apart. Recently, Kevin Harvick voiced his thoughts on this as he suggested 3 tracks that NASCAR could use in rotation for the finals. But he was not the only one to do so. Rick Hendrick’s team now has 3 drivers in the top 8 and with only 2 spots remaining in the finals, the best they can do is get 2 drivers in there.
As of now, William Byron is the only driver safe from elimination from Hendrick Motorsports. However, the No. 24 driver could have had a better time around the finals, as he reveals that he sides with Kevin Harvick when it comes to rotating the finals race to add some more excitement.
William Byron’s take on the Championship race
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William Byron didn’t hold back when he spoke up about NASCAR’s championship race setup before the Martinsville semi-finals. Talking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Byron made it clear: he’s all in for rotating the final race between a few key tracks, just like Kevin Harvick has been pushing for. To Byron, it’s not just about shaking things up; he believes some tracks just bring more excitement, making them a perfect fit for deciding the championship and for fans to enjoy the race.
“It should be the championship race. There’s really—there’s really no doubt about it,” William Byron said, pointing specifically to Homestead as a place that deserves a spotlight in the finals again. He thinks Homestead brings a challenging layout and energy to both drivers and fans, which is good for the sport overall. However, he acknowledged it needs a little boost to bring in the crowd and maximize its potential: “We’ve got to get more people out to the racetrack… maybe make a few upgrades here and there; it’s going to be a great show.”
Byron agrees with Kevin Harvick’s suggestion to use a mix of Las Vegas, Homestead, and Phoenix as rotating venues for the championship, which he believes would bring a fresh sense of competition each season. He called these tracks the most “compelling and legitimate,” with the kind of challenges that put teams and drivers to the ultimate test.
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Homestead stands out to him as he explained that the vibe there “just has a different vibe to it, especially this time of year.” He knows it would deliver the kind of race that makes a true championship moment. It’s a place he’d “love to see” back in that spotlight, capturing fans and racers alike with what he describes as “an amazing race.” The No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports driver got this idea from Kevin Harvick as the former NASCAR driver shared his thoughts on the Happy Hour podcast.
Kevin Harvick’s desire to see rotational championship races
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Since 2020, NASCAR fans have looked to Phoenix as the track that decides the championship, but Kevin Harvick thinks it’s time for a change. Before Phoenix, Homestead had held that honor for nearly two decades, with fans flocking to Florida each year for the big finale. Now, Harvick, who knows a thing or two about these decisive races, has an idea to shake things up: why stick to just one spot when you could rotate the championship across a few iconic circuits?
Kevin Harvick knows the thrill of a Homestead title; after all, it’s where he captured his own in 2014. But on a recent episode of his “Happy Hour” podcast, Harvick proposed that the championship race shouldn’t be limited to one track year after year. Instead, he’d love to see a rotation between Phoenix, Homestead, and Las Vegas. With so many thrilling circuits across the U.S., why not let more of them share the championship spotlight?
Harvick’s vision considers the experience for fans and the all-important weather factor. During the podcast, he acknowledged the logistical hurdles, stating, “There’s just not many places that you can go,” given winter’s unpredictable weather. But in his view, Vegas would make a fantastic addition, offering a vibrant city backdrop and a race track that could handle the pressure of a championship finish. Could this bold idea be just what NASCAR needs to keep fans on the edge of their seats? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
