What’s Happening?

As fans speculate about the future of NASCAR, one of the top things to discuss is the 2025 schedule. There are a ton of possibilities for new tracks on the 2025 NASCAR schedule, but, today, we want to look at what NASCAR’s biggest priorities are. Which issues does NASCAR HAVE to resolve with the 2025 schedule?

• For this list, we will look at the biggest rumors surrounding new tracks on the 2025 NASCAR schedule. Which ones will NASCAR make sure to fit in first before looking at other options?
• The 2025 schedule rumors will likely change over time. Some of the hopes people have may turn into pipedreams and some pipedreams may turn into legitimate possibilities.
• Fans love to speculate on the 2025 NASCAR schedule. However, some of their hopes may not be near the top of NASCAR’s priority list.

1. Returning to Southern California

NASCAR has backed itself into a PR corner in Southern California. Steve Phelps declared in an interview with Chris Myers of Fox Sports before the Daytona 500 that NASCAR was “Not going to miss a year” in Southern California. At the same time, Long Beach didn’t work out, Auto Club Speedway is a construction site, and Chris Myers reports that NASCAR is likely not returning to the LA Coliseum.

Frankly, the options are growing thin, but, NASCAR has publicly committed to racing in Southern California in 2024. Not only is it important to save face in PR, but, Southern California is also a major market for NASCAR. Phelps claimed in the previously mentioned Fox Sports interview that Southern California is NASCAR’s 2nd biggest market.

Racing in Southern California is something that HAS to happen in 2024. If nothing else changes, this is NASCAR’s biggest priority.

2. Racing Internationally

Earlier in that interview with Myers, Phelps said that he would be “Surprised” if NASCAR was not racing in Mexico and/or Canada in 2024. This was met with a lot of excitement from the fans, as everyone is seemingly on board with NASCAR going international.

NASCAR racing in Mexico and/or Canada has been rumored for a long time. For most of 2023, it seemed at the very least plausible that NASCAR would race in Canada. Now that the Clash is potentially looking for a new venue, that’s an easy place to slot in an international race.

NASCAR hasn’t outright guaranteed an international race publicly like they have with Southern California, so, that’s why it’s second on this list. However, that doesn’t mean an international race is unlikely.

3. Points Race for North Wilkesboro and/or Rockingham

Adding a points race to a venue like North Wilkesboro and Rockingham is far from impossible, but the two ideas above it are more likely from a NASCAR perspective. There has been no public statement on the future of either track, but, there is definitely momentum for North Wilkesboro to get a points race.

The track was recently repaved for the 2024 season, a massive investment that shows SMI has plans for the future of NWB instead of just 2024. However, the venue already has the All-Star Race, so, giving it a points race is not necessarily a must. Especially not in favor of racing internationally and fulfilling a commitment to Southern California.

It feels incredibly unlikely for Rockingham to gain a Cup Series date. It’s independently owned, and the track is in an area that’s already saturated with race tracks. Still, it’s far from impossible, especially if North Wilkesboro gets a points date.

As great as it would be for everything on this list to be included, NASCAR does have to prioritize. Some things have to happen before others.