May 7, 2025 – NASCAR Executive Vice President Ben Kennedy has opened the door to one of the boldest ideas in recent memory: rotating the location of the Cup Series championship race, with iconic tracks like Daytona International Speedway potentially joining the mix.
In an interview with reporter Bob Pockrass, Kennedy acknowledged discussions are underway about expanding the rotation beyond its current fixed location. “Daytona’s iconic; we’re exploring all options,” Kennedy said, while cautioning that factors like weather, logistics, and scheduling complicate the decision.
The Cup Series championship is currently slated to return to Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2026, but insiders suggest Atlanta Motor Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway are top contenders for hosting in 2027. Kennedy’s remarks align with NASCAR’s broader efforts in 2025 to inject new energy and unpredictability into the sport’s calendar.
“We want to keep the championship fresh, exciting, and a marquee event no matter where it’s held,” Kennedy explained. “It’s about finding the right balance between tradition and innovation.”
The idea of crowning a champion at Daytona has sparked immediate debate across the NASCAR community. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) are split, with some thrilled at the prospect of a title-deciding race at the sport’s most famous track, and others wary of the unpredictable nature of superspeedway racing playing too large a role in the championship outcome.
“A Daytona finale would be electric chaos,” one fan posted. Another countered: “Championships shouldn’t be decided by a big one on lap 10.”
Drivers and teams have yet to formally weigh in, though several have privately expressed concern over the randomness of pack racing determining a season-long title.
Kennedy stressed that no decisions have been finalized and the governing body is committed to input from stakeholders before charting the championship’s future path.
“The goal is to create something memorable while ensuring fairness and integrity,” he added.
NASCAR has been unafraid to experiment in recent years, introducing street courses, dirt races, and a revamped playoff format. The possibility of a rotating championship venue, especially one as dramatic as Daytona, signals the sport’s continued push for innovation in 2025.
Fans and insiders alike will be watching closely as NASCAR considers shaking up its most important race of the year.
