NASCAR May Rotate Championship Track | What Tracks are Worthy of Hosting the Finale?

[@randybass6679]

I think rotating championship race would be a great idea.

[@jeremywilson3684]

I would love to see Darlington as a championship finale

[@makeabrae]

My exact thought

[@adamodom3361]

And a night race

[@alex33952]

Darlington should start and end the playoffs

[@markbrowne7981]

SAME

[@rgman76]

Yes

[@achillesdur]

only thing Auto Club hasn't even worked on the actual track yet. Just the warehousing around it. Which if you've seen the drone videos of the facility, it looks like the footprint that was proposed doesn't actually exist. There is much less space than they showed before.

[@judewhite4401]

I really hope they did not just tear down Auto Club Speedway for nothing.

[@OrganizedMess0025]

Nascar in SoCal is finished. Unless Long Beach can accommodate Nascar in the coming years, there won't be anymore Nascar in SoCal especially not in LA. Nascar should focus on retaining Sonoma as their lone California track and not lose that, and if say the Chicago street course experoment is done, only look to SoCal as a street circuit replacement.

[@dugthedog2863]

@@OrganizedMess0025i hope they make a track in the Central valley or something

[@3120DownForce]

They did. ​@@judewhite4401

[@3120DownForce]

​@OrganizedMess0025 circle track racing in all of Cal is dead... not just nascar in socal. All racing All Cal.

[@HBTCUPSERIES]

I've been watching you for about 6 years now and keep up the great work

[@EricEstepp]

Thanks for the longtime support!

[@HBTCUPSERIES]

@EricEstepp no problem

[@timothymallon6177]

Superspeedways would be AWESOME! NOT ANY 1.5 mile track; they’re BORING as heck!

[@timothymallon6177]

I actually SLEEP through the Homestead race; it’s THAT boring, and they NEED to update that track! It’s ANCIENT in EVERY category for fans!

[@robbiuribe5142]

THANK YOU FOR GIVING AUTO CLUB LOVE! We miss NASCAR in SOCAL!

[@SwXausie4]

Honestly, Kansas deserves the championship. The entire midwest would show up. Kansas is one of the biggest tourist tracks, the racing is amazing, and they have been waiting.

[@CWBKC]

Hell Ya Brother

[@andyl5134]

Kansas in November. Yeah that’ll go well. Russian Roulette with the weather.

[@korbinsworld24]

It's too cold. It shows in November in Kansas.

[@CWBKC]

@@korbinsworld24 10 year Average is 59 degrees. Ya that’s Fuckn cold DB

[@SwXausie4]

@@korbinsworld24 you realize in early November Kansas City is usually in the 70s

[@JunkyardFox403]

"Mild weather" is subjective. I love the idea of having it at Kansas - to me, high 50s/low 60s in November is delightful coming from Minnesota.

[@nickchana8573]

pretty sure it’s a bit colder than 50s/60s, I remember there was like a race in the 30s for the playoff race a few years back

[@DennyDeliversYT]

lowkey rotating the finale might just be the solution if nascar wants to keep their one race championship 4

[@StanTheManGaming]

Eh, I’d still prefer it to be multiple races

[@Denielle-V]

Really?...

[@cheetahyoda]

Denny will still lose

[@Denielle-V]

@@cheetahyoda At this point, It won't matter where the finale's held if he can't make it pass the Ro8, bro. And with Talladega!? He's f*cked unless he wins to advance.

[@2tuff.saints]

Charlotte could make for an amazing finale.

[@JEFFREYKING-j1b]

Nascar needs to change the final 4 to 3 races. The championship to Las Vegas. Imagine Martinsville cutting off from 8 to 4 the. Having Homestead, Phoenix and Las Vegas as the 3 finals. Basically 3 championships races.

[@acedelta12]

And if we have three different winners?

[@Ex0dus24]

@@acedelta12 its points based. whoever has the most points is the champion. if there's a tie it goes to a tie breaker for most wins in the season.

[@D2RCR]

I wouldn't be opposed to this. I'd rather have Kansas than Phoenix but this is a pretty decent idea.

[@JEFFREYKING-j1b]

Yes points would still be a factor.

[@gnnascarfan2410]

I went to Homestead for the first time in October 2024 and I enjoyed it. The racing is fantastic but the facilities need massive upgrading from 2000’s infrastructure.

[@johnlafever3162]

That's the point, and why NASCAR pulled out of their own track and moved it to a more popular location. Homestead, outside of the NASCAR weekend is a Cuban refugee camp.

[@MoMotorMan99]

9:49 Speaking as someone who lives near the KS/MO border, the weather is typically serviceable in early November, especially in recent years. Not too cold, not too hot, although there is the occasional day where it gets pretty windy and the temps go down

[@MasonA1702]

I agree. As long as it isn't cloudy and windy, November days are pretty tolerable.

[@springtrap-ky7mt]

But then again as someone who lives 30 min from kansas speedway it is mo

[@carsfan5racing]

Let it be Homestead! If the Next-Gen is good on intermediates like that track, then this is perfect!

[@BigGame76]

I would love the idea of Vegas as the Championship race. Usually a competitive race and the location is a draw for people. You can also stay there for the year end awards ceremony.

[@Grant-kd8cz]

I would say Homestead! But what about Nashville Superspeedway?

[@edwardschlattervelazquez279]

Nashville has the market but the infrastructure definitely lacks. Would be awesome if the fairgrounds can make some progress and could be considered as well

[@MikeThompson-r2g]

Nashville be cool for championship race

[@flasheaux]

It's not that super.

[@BeautifulAngelBlossom]

it in middle of nowhere

[@duncachinoahimiha3889]

Close out the season with the Snowmobile 500 at New Hampshire in November

[@Ex0dus24]

Canadian tire motorsport park would be the best. an icy road course would definitely not cause any mayhem whatsoever

[@FlungFluPanda]

Ew wtf

[@pat_e_c8k]

😂😂😂😂

[@patmanbnl]

They did the finale at New Hampshire in 2001 due to the 9/11 attacks. Lucked out and had decent weather.

[@kevanlindsey483]

Come at me with pitchforks all you want but starting in Daytona and ending in Daytona would be great. Superspeedways and luck is a cop out for drivers who aren’t good at them.

[@CPO-Snarky]

💯

[@alexherman77]

If you’re wondering about the weather in Kansas all I’m gonna say is it’s mid December and it was almost 60 degrees today. GIVE US THE CHAMPIONSHIP RACE NASCAR.

[@SRASC]

I had a similar idea. But it involves shuffling the last 10 races if it is logistically possible. Could be done prior to the Daytona 500 or closer to the start of the Playoffs, whichever works.

[@Matt_8000]

Personally, another criteria is that the championship race has to be the only race for the track that season

[@derekbrummett9239]

Yes!! Agree!!

[@danielskurski5212]

I totally agree with the idea of rotating the championship race each year to bring the race to different markets. I'm curious though, in your opinion from an infrastructure standpoint, what are must haves to host a championship race? Take Las Vegas for instance, what upgrades would this track need to make in order to better host a championship race weekend?

[@Itsgamingtime11-co5kp]

Homestead is the most worthy of course, but then also Vegas is a good market and they’ve had good racing in recent years. (Also make Kansas championship weekend)

[@BrakeVan-l3v]

I’d say keeping it at Miami cuz it’s a basic track that whenever you think of a racetrack your think of homesteads design

I feel that a big track that could work is Gateway. The racing's been pretty good, the track went under renovations pretty recently (at least compared to Darlington and Martinsville), and St. Louis is a goldmine of a market. Say what you will about sports teams relocating from the city, St. Louis denizens go rabid for their sports. Just look at how much they support the UFL Battlehawks. The only issues are that the track in independently owned, and the weather might be questionable. But otherwise, I think it would be a good changeup.

[@johnleachii3713]

Been watching since the beginning. This is where i get my nascar news. Great job

[@rafaelperez1581]

2:59 funny thing is I remember the series use to end at riverside road course in the 70s or 80s

[@matthewgreenlee4631]

3 race championship round: Homestead Phoenix Las Vegas

[@aaronthompson6603]

Really enjoining this off season content. Thank you Eric!

[@Liltonkka]

Kansas seems like the perfect racing environment to truly crown the best driver

[@mikefeltner4216]

😂😂😂

[@Kbrady8207]

Gets cold sometimes in Kansas.

[@BeautifulAngelBlossom]

@@Kbrady8207 it was 75 this year chairmanship weekend

[@funnyfaced]

Miami has some of the best racing , that’s why it should be at Miami.

[@professorlarrs]

Could move the Darlington spring race to the end whatever year Darlington is the final race.

[@D2RCR]

This would honestly be a great idea.

[@GreaseMonkey-dq2dk]

I live about 10 minutes away from Bristol Motor Speedway. That could be an awesome championship race! Best of all, I'd have the chance to actually be there!

[@csxtrainfan319]

I can answer the weather part of Darlington since I’m a South Carolinian, the weather in early November is nothing but a mix of rain, warm humid, and cold. I’ve got several train videos between the 1st and the 15th and you can see how the weather vane be here

[@daltonbelcher5510]

I wonder what a championship race at Chicagoland Speedway would look like?

[@jonnyholden2056]

Definitely wish Chicagoland would return to the schedule. Might be a little too cold to host the championship race though.

[@jeffreyrainey1015]

imagine if we kept the southern 500 at Darlington on Labour Day weekend, but moved the throwback weekend to the championship weekend. Those races are still two months apart, although I realize nowadays there’s usually three or four between races that have two dates.

[@brettludwig7701]

Here my from best to worst order of tracks that could host the championship 1. Homestead 2. Charlotte Oval 3. Darlington 4. Nashville 5. Las Vegas, 6. Texas 7. Phoenix

[@marcusvillarreal]

Eric Estepp and everyone what are your plans during the nascar off season

[@Cloudy341blade]

I would add Nashville to this list

[@PlanetLinuxChannel]

Honestly love that rotation! And it partially eliminates the concern about certain drivers or teams being better at certain tracks.

[@NASCARNic-yh4xw]

Las Vegas championship would be awesome

[@sleezyimpalass]

I think Nashville could be added as a possibility. I’m not sure how the facilities are or who owns it but it could check the other boxes nicely. Maybe even St Louis too.

[@letto18]

Looking at Bristol in particular in terms of weather, looking at climate data listed on Wikipedia, on average the daily mean is still in the positives and a lower average snowfall in November compared to March so risk should be lower when it comes to a repeat of the 2006 Sharpie Mini 300

[@Blume43]

As much as I would love the championship at Kansas, the bipolar weather would only cooperate occasionally. It’s not uncommon for there to be a tornado warning and a blizzard warning happening concurrently in Kansas or Missouri in November.

[@BeautifulAngelBlossom]

gateway good choice

[@colemarlatt3860]

I race a dirt modified in Vegas a week after the championship race almost yearly, & it is always miserably cold.

[@marcusvillarreal]

First Hi Eric Estepp I never miss a single episode 😊❤

[@shanechavis1370]

I think that would be interesting to see nascar championship in different tracks. Could attract more fans

[@jaykay3071]

They are not gonna move it from Phoenix

[@essayegg6990]

What about a lottery style type draft for the playoff races? Halfway through or even during all start week do a lottery style pick to determine the order of the playoff races it keeps teams from doing what the 22 did this year. The nba does a lottery style draft for their top 10 draft picks I believe.

[@AlanWiltsie]

The nice thing about Phoenix Raceway is that it always provides fair racing. It might not be the most exciting but it's never gimmicky or based on luck in any way so it actually makes for a really good championship race in my opinion. That being said, I still think they should rotate it every year.

[@nomadman5288]

I think the trade-off with Labor Day to the finale is one fans would be okay with given the track's history, reputation and the Southern 500's prestige. I mean, it's a 'crown jewel" race and for Championhip weekend? What more could you really ask from a facility? Then you put Indy in the Labor Day slot during seasons where Darlington is the finale. Indy gets two major weekends: one from Indycar and one from NASCAR. Could be just what the doctor ordered to help with attendance.

[@thefranchise4698]

Darlington, Homestead, Las Vegas, or Charlotte would be perfect rotating tracks

[@scottyb2688]

Darlington, Homestead, Charlotte, Kansas an a track nascar still owns in one of the biggest tv markets throw Chicagoland Speedway into a 5 track rotation

[@leebaileyiii7740]

The easy answer is simple- change it each year. Short track, speedway, super speedway, and a road course. If they are racing on it in the regular season and are able to get INTO the field via those, the only real option in my opinion- in the name of parity, fairness, and a true champion- is to have them alternate and each form of track gets one every 4 years. Super speedway aces should have their year to shine, just as road racers, ect.

[@montecarloss305]

Kinda surprised you gave Martinsville "quality racing". I also think Atlanta should be part of the conversation...in a few years. Once that pavement breaks in, I suspect it will lose some of the superspeedway characteristics. I live in Kansas and November can be a mixed bag. Definitely better odds than in Feb/March, but we have had many a Thanksgiving outside playing football bc the weather was beautiful.

[@PrimeTap]

I agree with you about most things and like how fairly you weigh facts. I love the idea of track rotation. However, I strongly disagree with you about Atlanta. It's a mile and a half that races a lot like a super speedway but it's still a mile and a half. To me, that makes it a perfect combination of both, bring the challenges of both kinds of tracks to races. I think it's an ideal candidate to put into rotation.

[@bob8776]

I think wherever the championship race is held it should be the only visit to that track during the season. Don’t allow teams to use the first trip to the track as a test session

[@fatcody45]

I Live in eastern Kansas. TBH it probably wouldnt be snowy or anything. However it may be a little brisk. Almost certainly wouldnt be below freezing. Could even be in the 70s. But most likely its gonna be 50s or 60s

[@timg7627]

Homestead is much better racing than phoenix. However, having one track as ‘the championship’ is still a big part of the problem.

[@ultmswag3170]

I’m probably the only one here that wants to see Daytona or Talladega as the Finale track.

[@johngavlick6479]

Nope I'm with you

[@PrimeTap]

I'm with you too. I know the reasoning of why super speedways are automatically disqualified is because anyone could win but superspeedway are a big part of NASCAR and deserved to at least be in rotation especially if the change it so that Championship 4 is 3 or four races.

[@Kbrady8207]

Would like it as well. Mainly because Byron runs well at both tracks.

[@thenascarfreak5557]

Although it's not on the cup series schedule yet, Rockingham would be a great track to host a championship. The track is being renovated with safer barriers, grandstands, and plus, the repaved surface that has aged very little. I believe it would produce good racing.

[@scottyb2688]

An Rockingham has hosted the finally before

[@ChandlerRFink]

Las Vegas. thats all I got.

[@NASCHEVY]

GOOD IDEA CHAMPIONSHIP IN SIN CITY

[@pat_e_c8k]

Rockingham....nuff said. These cars would be great on this track. I know its not near a major market. But the racing on the banking would be great. Cant wait to see it in trucks. Loved racing it with the old pc game.

[@stevenbrennon9284]

Eric how about North Wilkesboro

[@TheAuthorizedJay]

How about NASCAR have a best of 3 for the Championship?

[@JasonTrew2018]

Atlanta used to host the last race of the season, Riverside used to host the last race of the season and Ontatio used to host the last race

[@theprince1822]

Hear me out- A 6 Driver, 4 race Championship Round. The four races remain more or less the same every year, but they rotate order every year. So if one year has Homestead, Charlotte, Phoenix, and California, then the next year might have Phoenix, Cali, Homestead, then Charlotte for the Title deciding Finale.

[@bige1466]

I would love to see Atlanta as a non-superspeedway configuration championship race.

[@AudiophileToday]

Kansas is out. Waay too cold and windy up there in November. I lived in OKC for a few years (which is way south of KC) and it's too cold for outdoor sports in November IMHO. The optics for Championship weekend can't include video of fans and crew bundled up in overcoats.

[@skaldlouiscyphre2453]

I like the idea of the championship being at a different track every year. Perhaps they can even try to use tracks they'd otherwise not hold events at, just to raise the stakes a bit more.

[@AaronMizelle]

Didn’t mention Richmond. Weather is actually slightly milder than Martinsville. I wish Texas World Speedway was still around, would have needed major renovations but probably have checked a lot of boxes, my only question is with today’s cars, would it be a super speedway, it was basically a high banked Michigan

[@Shawn-f4f6n]

Kansas can be brutal in november. You just know if NASCAR hosted a race there in mid novermber it would end up being 20 degrees and snowing.

[@jamesmcallister8124]

Darlington, Homestead, Kansas, Vegas, Charlotte heck wouldnt mind seeing Martinsville or Bristol if they improved the short track package with this car

[@chiefofficer5lj18]

Biased towards Kansas since it's close-ish to home for me, otherwise Auto Club excites me too. Still bummed about the reconfiguration though.

[@coasty24]

I do really like the idea of rotating championship tracks. This might be a bit of a hot take - Atlanta would make a perfect finale... In a few years. Once Atlanta ages, it'll still have superspeedway characteristics. But it'll definetley not be as "superspeedwayey." (that's a word) I think it'll race a lot like Michigan did this year and that was a great race. Give us that at Atlanta - a bit narrower, higher banked, and you've got a great championship. Charlotte would be as well - does seem like a nice facility, incredible racing, and again, it's in NASCAR's backyard. These two along with Homestead and Kansas would be a great rotation.

[@ThomasGoldfinch-r1u]

Looking back on it now, but the first 2 finale’s in the next gen era should’ve taken place at Auto Club. It has great racing and Indycar has had their finale there before. It makes sense!

[@leelamott7116]

With last year's weather we could have hosted championship weekend in New Hampshire!

[@BeautifulAngelBlossom]

Kansas or Iowa tracks weather can be warm mostly expect fall time severe thunderstorms or how about gateway

[@samperrigan6094]

If they can ever figure out how to get the fairgrounds in Nashville going that would be cool

[@ericsuchy2028]

What about Nashville? No love😢

[@Nemofishman]

lkely too far from main market. weather would be ok though.

[@ericsuchy2028]

@Nemofishman Its Nashville (Lebanon, TN) They hold the championship awards ceremony and drive the cars down Broadway. Last year's Ally 400 was a sell out... go back and see the highlights decent racing too

[@meyou5336]

Lady in black for championship weekend, wow good idea

[@DanielMaggi25]

Thats what I’m sayng! Listen to the clip 3:40-3:53

[@charlesbaird6126]

I think Rockingham would be awesome. From a dedicated long time Nascar fan here in Rutland Vermont

[@garycrews1800]

Nashville

[@SportsDudeBS_]

COTA,Indianapolis,Daytona,Watkins Glen, Darlington, Miami, and Charlotte

[@kendalmorton4604]

I would consider INDY . I feel Indy and Kansas Speedway would have similar weather in early Nov.

[@eteocles4452]

Just as likely to get caught up in someone else's mess on a short track as a superspeedway, so either include both or a hard no on both.

[@elijames3041]

How's Eric

[@Stackbou]

Michigan 😊

[@AntlerAnglerTV]

NASCAR has these “metrics” they use for practice and qualifying. Maybe they can make a metric that takes the average margins of finish and other factors and come up with the best tracks for the championship. Charolette would be sweet!

[@23mrcash]

Smart move since Phoenix is a unique track where some otherwise great drivers struggle. (Like me in the video games)

[@sonny_njr]

As they should. The championship coming down to the same track every year under this format is just stupid.

[@Delphox2022]

I know penskes won't get away from this one this time.

[@iceeblueburst03]

Interesting tracks mentioned.

[@aaronleesgbclieutenant]

If it weren't for the weather, MIS would absolutely be a fantastic Championship race

[@noahdunn434]

Kansas for sure deserves to be in the conversation. Fans show up to Chiefs games in way colder weather than early November would be.

[@rmg_2771]

Would love if somehow they could work Charlotte into the championship race rotation. There is so much potential in that area to hype up the championship weekend

[@EverythingEdits.20]

The Rock would be good if it can be brought

[@rgman76]

Just went to the Southern 500, calling it not up to date is a crime, and while not being near a huge market, but it’s also close to I-95 and almost directly in the middle of it

[@Nafsllib]

Nascar is taking tons of ideas from DH, the mid-season bracket challenge, getting drivers more involved in promoting the sport, now rotating the Championship. Just need to make it a 3 race championship run for the final 4.

[@420RATEDRKO420]

3 race finale round and the rotation changes each year 2025: 1 - Kansas 2 - Homestead 3 - Phoenix 2026: 1 - Phoenix 2 - Kansas 3 - Homestead

[@noahb6846]

I’m cheating a bit adding a super speedway but I love Atlanta and wouldn’t you like to see a 1992 style 4 way shootout for the title and 5 years rotational championship race at 5 large markets where you are sure to get tons of fans to tune in Atlanta Charlotte Homestead Las Vegas Phoenix

[@ramman5784]

I think the weather is the driving force as to where the race is held. NASCAR has to be able to guarantee the race will go on as scheduled. That's why Phoenix is so appealing. In all the years PIR has been on the regular racing schedule weather has never been a issue. They did however have a dust storm the weekend of the race (the year Terry Labonte won the Cup) Both Darlington and Auto Club are in the middle of nowhere. Sure Auto Club is right off I-10 but there really isn't much around. Even though Vegas is in the desert, it's the high desert and still has freaky weather at times. Same problem will Miami. If they had bad weather even months before the race it's really hard to justify a race in a area that has bee wiped out by a storm. I do have to mention one more thing about the Phoenix market. I once saw a interview with some drivers wife's. It's the ease of getting to Scottsdale for shopping.