Kenny Wallace, a former Cup Series driver, has expressed his support for NASCAR’s recent plan to switch around the championship finale across several oval tracks. Homestead-Miami Speedway will lead the way in this change starting in 2026. The statement marks a significant departure from the six-year custom of hosting the conclusion at Phoenix Raceway and was made during a high-profile ride with Wallace and other competitors close to Watkins Glen. Kenny Wallace, who expressed his support for the decision on his “Coffee with Kenny” show, called it a victory for fans and a new chance for the sport to reach new audiences in new areas, providing a dynamic method of selecting its champion.
Phoenix, which keeps the 2025 conclusion, will give way to Homestead-Miami Speedway, known for its wide 1.5-mile oval and risky late-race restarts, as the 2026 finale as a result of this significant policy change. NASCAR reinforces its commitment to maintaining competitive integrity while expanding the finale atmosphere and reaching new regions and fan bases by choosing to spread the pivotal Championship Weekend among a number of established oval locations. In an open statement, Kenny Wallace emphasized that although he is in complete favor of the rotation, he objects to certain viewpoints that call non-oval tracks “gimmicks.” He underlined that while each race surface presents different difficulties and opportunities, this oval-focused approach was driven by custom and competitive consistency.
Though he refrained from completely ruling them out, NASCAR Executive Vice President Ben Kennedy offered insight into this viewpoint by explaining that while road courses and superspeedways have added excitement, their level of unpredictability doesn’t currently align with NASCAR’s vision for its decisive race. Improvements to the Homestead oval’s parking, paving, and infrastructure are also planned, guaranteeing that the track will be in top shape for the major event in November 2026. Guillermo Santa Cruz, the track president, emphasized the significance of these improvements, viewing the privilege of hosting as a turning point for Homestead-Miami and the neighborhood. This excitement has been shared by fans, many of whom are happy to be returning to a location that is beloved for its difficult layout and thrilling multi-groove racing.
Veteran Max Papis added to the discussion by agreeing with Kenny Wallace on “Coffee with Kenny” regarding the benefits of rotating championships. Papis said that legendary racetracks like Darlington might be in the running in the future, demonstrating how many alternatives NASCAR still has. Even though Phoenix and Homestead are set for the upcoming two seasons, it is unclear what will happen beyond 2026; potential outcomes will depend on a number of variables, including accessibility, weather, facility quality, and fan reaction. The racing community will keep a careful eye on this plan’s development to observe which ovals might become future hosts, how the championship narrative is shaped by the rotation strategy, and how fan interest keeps growing with each season.
NASCAR’s proposal to switch up the championship venues among ovals. For Kenny Wallace and many others in the NASCAR community, this shift is not only a daring declaration but also an indication that the sport is still keen to develop and make sure every finale is exciting and deserving of the championship it chooses.
