The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series schedule is still a ways away, but, that means it’s the perfect time to speculate. Given what little we know, what are the possibilities that NASCAR has with the 2025 NASCAR schedule? We take a swing at some of the BOLDEST ideas for the 2025 NASCAR schedule.
While a big break from tradition, Richmond losing a date is far from a stretch. The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi hinted at it in a recent episode of “The Teardown”, and Richmond fits the exact definition of a track that NASCAR could move a date from.
Steve Phelps said in an off-season webinar that the microscope will be placed on tracks with multiple that don’t sell out, unless the racing is “Extraordinary”. Richmond hasn’t sold out a race since 2008. While the racing there hasn’t been completely awful, it’s not been great either. It fits the bill for a track NASCAR could move a date from.
Steve Phelps said in an interview with Chris Myers of Fox Sports before the Daytona 500 that he “Would be surprised” if the Cup Series isn’t in Mexico and/or Canada in 2024. Reports have said that Mexico could be NASCAR’s next landing spot for the Clash, but, the track is still an uncertainty. The most popular choice in Canada is a summer race in Montreal.
Outside of that, could NASCAR truly try to go overseas to Europe or Japan? Japan seems most likely given the presence of Japanese auto manufacturer Toyota and the interest of Honda. Exciting tracks like Twin Ring Motegi, Suzuka, and Fuji Speedway all seem like prime venues to host a NASCAR race.
Jordan Bianchi gave what he called, “Informed speculation” on an episode of “The Teardown” following the spring race at Phoenix saying that he thinks NASCAR will move the Championship race in 2025. He specifically mentioned Homestead as the replacement, and that’s easily the most logical choice if not Phoenix.
The race would have to be at a NASCAR-owned track, which takes places like Bristol, Las Vegas, and Charlotte off the table. It would also have to be at a track with warm weather, which takes away any northern track. It also needs to be held at a track that is a relatively neutral site, not a “Wild Card” track. Homestead and Phoenix are the only two tracks that fit that description.
Las Vegas is on our chopping block for many of the same reasons as Richmond. The track hasn’t sold out a race in years, and the fall race in 2023 was a particularly poor showing.
Las Vegas does have two saving graces, however. First, the racing product has been solid there, which is a testament to the Next-Gen car’s intermediate track product. Secondly, it’s in a budding market, and NASCAR wants to stay in growing markets like this one.
This may be a bit of a pipedream, but if the next thing on our list happens, the All-Star Race is open. If NASCAR takes a race date away from Richmond, then heading to Rockingham makes a lot of sense. Instead of adding an extra race to that crowded market, change up the venue instead.
The issue with this is that the All-Star Race is an SMI date, and Rockingham is currently independently owned. SMI could do a lease agreement with the track similar to what they do at COTA, but it’s not the same as holding a race at an SMI venue.
North Wilkesboro Speedway showed it was worthy of a Cup Series date last spring when it hosted the All-Star Race. Now, a new surface means it’s time for a points race here. Again, if a race like Richmond leaves the schedule, slotting North Wilkesboro into that spring slot would be a perfect spot for the track.
The problem is, again, North Wilkesboro is SMI-owned and Richmond is NASCAR-owned. If Las Vegas loses the spring date, maybe NWB could slot into that part of the schedule, but, that adds an extra race to the crowded Virginia/North Carolina market.
If NASCAR wants a race in Southern California in 2025, they need to get creative. Auto Club Speedway being ready for 2025 looks like more of a pipedream as time goes on. Why not head to one of the short tracks in the area like Irwindale?
Yes, there needs to be infrastructure improvements, but, NASCAR is running out of options. That is unless they want to stay at the LA Coliseum in 2025, but, that is not guaranteed.
These are just a few bold ideas for the 2025 schedule. Will any of these actually come to fruition?
