NASCAR insider addresses delays in 2025 schedule, updates timeline for release

NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass revealed why there were delays for the 2025 season schedule. Not only that, he provided an updated timeline for a release in the next calendar year.

Pockrass previously reported the schedule was set to be released in May. However, NASCAR was likely to add an international race to the schedule, causing the initial delay.

Responding to a question on Twitter, Pockrass further explained why there was no schedule yet.

“Sometimes NASCAR has not announced schedule until September or later,” Pockrass wrote on Twitter. “Right now, the expectation is sometime in August. And I’d say probably closer to mid-August but possibly early August but wouldn’t be surprised if it was late August. In other words, it changes regularly.”

If it changes regularly, fans could be waiting the entire month of August before the 2025 NASCAR schedule is released. The anticipation is surely frustrating at this point, considering it might be three months behind schedule, so to speak.

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.

2025 NASCAR schedule still delayed

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.”

Brian Jones contributed to this report