NASCAR Truck - Homestead

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series returns to Homestead-Miami Speedway for the 2026 championship race. This season finale will determine the series champion on the 1.5-mile oval in Homestead, Florida. The speedway reclaims its role as the host of NASCAR's Championship Weekend, featuring all three national series races over the same weekend.

About Homestead-Miami Speedway

Homestead-Miami Speedway is a 1.5-mile asphalt oval located south of Miami in Homestead, Florida. The track features progressive banking that ranges from 18 to 20 degrees in the turns and 4 degrees on the straightaways. This unique banking system allows multiple racing lines and creates competitive racing conditions. The facility spans approximately 650 acres and can accommodate around 46,000 fans. An unusual feature of the track includes a 90-foot deep lake in the infield area.

The speedway opened in November 1995 as part of a recovery initiative following Hurricane Andrew. The architectural design reflects Miami Beach's art deco style, with brightly painted buildings and walls throughout the facility. The venue generates more than $250 million annually for the region and has become a significant economic driver for South Florida.

The NASCAR Truck Series Championship Race

The 2026 race serves as the final event of the 32nd season of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Homestead-Miami Speedway previously hosted championship races from 2002 to 2019 and returns to this position for the 2026 season. The track will be part of a rotating championship venue model that brings the finale to multiple markets across different years.

NASCAR Cup Series drivers with more than three years of full-time experience can compete in up to eight Truck Series events during the season. However, these experienced Cup drivers cannot participate in the championship race at Homestead, ensuring the Truck Series regulars compete for the title.

Track Characteristics and Racing

The 1.5-mile configuration at Homestead-Miami Speedway has produced competitive racing since the first Truck Series event in March 1996. The progressive banking system creates different racing grooves, allowing drivers to run high, middle, or low lines through the corners. This variety promotes side-by-side racing and strategic passing opportunities.

The asphalt surface and banking configuration require teams to balance speed with tire management. Setup decisions become critical for performance over a full race distance. The track has undergone multiple reconfigurations since its opening, with each change aimed at improving the racing product.

2026 Season Changes

New Manufacturer Entry

Ram joins the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series as a new manufacturer for the 2026 season. Kaulig Racing will field a five-truck program representing the Ram brand. New manufacturers entering any NASCAR national series receive permission for up to three test sessions. Each test can include a maximum of three affiliated organizations with two vehicles each. All testing must be completed by March 1st and cannot occur at tracks that have been recently repaved, are new to the schedule, or will host events within 60 days of the test session.

Driver Changes

The 2026 season marks the first year since 2000 without Matt Crafton competing full-time, as he retires from regular competition after the 2025 season. Daniel Dye returns to full-time Truck Series competition, driving for Kaulig Racing. Rajah Caruth moves up to the NASCAR Xfinity Series for 2026.

The age requirement for Truck Series competition changes in 2026. Drivers aged 16 can now compete on road courses and ovals under 1.25 miles in length. This rule adjustment provides younger drivers with earlier opportunities to gain national series experience.

Championship Weekend Format

The 2026 Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway includes races from all three NASCAR national series. The Craftsman Truck Series competes alongside the Xfinity Series and Cup Series over the multi-day event. This format creates a comprehensive championship celebration with title decisions across multiple series.

Teams and Competition

The Truck Series field includes teams representing Chevrolet, Ford, Ram, and Toyota manufacturers. Each organization brings unique approaches to setup and strategy for the Homestead oval. The championship format intensifies competition as four drivers race for the title while the rest of the field competes for stage points, race wins, and final season standings positions.

Team preparation for Homestead focuses on the specific demands of the 1.5-mile configuration. Engineers work to optimize aerodynamic packages for the progressive banking while ensuring mechanical reliability over the race distance. Crew chiefs must balance qualifying speed with race trim performance.

Historical Significance

Homestead-Miami Speedway has crowned numerous NASCAR champions during its tenure as a championship venue from 2002 through 2019. The track has hosted various major racing series beyond NASCAR, including IndyCar and FIA GT Championship events. The first NASCAR event at the facility took place in 1995, shortly after the track's completion.

The return of the championship race to Homestead in 2026 restores the track's position as a season finale location. This change brings championship racing back to South Florida and provides fans in the region with the opportunity to witness title decisions across three NASCAR series.

What to Expect

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship Race at Homestead-Miami Speedway promises close competition among four title contenders. The 1.5-mile oval provides the stage for the season finale, where strategy, speed, and consistency will determine the champion. The progressive banking creates multiple racing lanes and opportunities for drivers throughout the field.

Fans can experience championship racing on a track with a proven history of competitive finishes. The South Florida location offers warm weather and a facility that has been hosting major racing events for three decades. The speedway's proximity to Miami provides access to a major metropolitan area with extensive hospitality and tourism infrastructure.