NASCAR insider explains why NASCAR 2025 schedule, tracks are so far behind

by:Brian Jones•07/08/24•

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NASCAR track — Jul 7, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Alex Bowman (48) and driver Bubba Wallace (23) race side by side during the Grant Park 165 at Chicago Street Race. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

A NASCAR insider broke down why the 2025 schedule has yet to be released. According to Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports, the schedule was expected to be released as early as late May. Pockrass said a few would be surprised if it takes another few weeks (or longer) before it’s released, and NASCAR is likely seeking to add an international race to the schedule.

NASCAR would love to race in Mexico and Canada. It seemed like the organization had a deal done to race in Mexico City, but nothing has been confirmed.

Another aspect is the changes in playoff tracks. The Athletic reported that three tracks are expected to move out of the playoffs next year. Atlanta recently announced a move back from the playoffs in September to the summer as part of NASCAR’s new in-season tournament. Homestead-Miami Speedway could move to the spring, and Watkins Glen could move to August after being in the playoffs for one year. The tracks that could move in the playoffs for 2025 are Darlington, New Hampshire and Gateway.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s thoughts on NASCAR 2025 schedule

One person who does like the rumored schedule changes in Dale Earnhardt Jr. In June, the NASCAR legend spoke on the Dale Jr. Download podcast about about Homestead-Miami potentially not being part of the playoffs.

“I’m disappointed about Homestead leaving the playoffs,” Earnhardt said. “We ran Homestead years ago early in the season and it was weird. After having the season finale there for so, so long, it just doesn’t feel right to put it anywhere else in the season. Kind of was fun to have it in the playoffs again.”

Earnhardt then said there are rumors that Homestead could return to being the final race of the year. “If it ends up being the finale, I’m okay with them sticking it in March or somewhere for a year,” Earnhardt explained. “Maybe that’s sort of the tradeoff. They want to give some of these other tracks a little bit of an experience of what it’s like being in the playoffs, and Homestead you’re going to be the finale. So we’re going to stick you over here in March, not a favorable date for you, probably not your favorite time of the year to be racing in the NASCAR series. But you’re going to get back to the finale, go sit over here for a bit while we entertain these other tracks in the playoffs.”