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18h ago

NASCAR Locks In Homestead Finale as Playoff Format Review Faces NBC-Driven Delay

A formal review panel has confirmed the finale’s move to Homestead-Miami Speedway with broader playoff reform at risk of slide past 2026 under NBC’s pressure.

Photo Credit: Tyson Gifford | TobyChristie.com
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Overview

  • A working group convened by NASCAR EVP John Probst is actively evaluating changes to the win-and-in, elimination playoff system ahead of the 2026 season.
  • NASCAR has officially restored its championship race to Homestead-Miami Speedway under a rotating finale model for 2026.
  • Polls led by Mark Martin and Jeff Gluck reveal that over half of participating fans favor returning to a traditional full-season points championship.
  • NBC Sports executives have publicly declined to influence the format discussions and pledged to produce the playoff races as structured today.
  • Facing an imminent deadline to release the 2026 schedule and honoring a multibillion-dollar TV rights deal, NASCAR may postpone any substantive playoff overhaul until after next season.