NASCAR recently announced that it would be hosting the 2024 championship finale race at the Phoenix Raceway. This marks the 5th consecutive year since the championship four race will be held there. There had been some criticism from the fans and drivers regarding the track and also the timing of the races being held in November. But regardless, NASCAR has decided that the venue will continue hosting the title decider race for both this and the next season.
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Talking about this major announcement, Joe Gibbs Racing driver and NASCAR veteran, Denny Hamlin discussed the decision and ultimately gave his support for the choice of the venue.
Denny Hamlin shares his opinion on NASCAR’s major championship race announcement
Hamlin’s co-host made it known that NASCAR announced hosting the championship race in Phoenix in 2024. This implied that the deciding races for both this season and the next will be held in Phoenix.
Following this, Hamlin responded, “Um, yes. I mean, I like it because I like the venue. I mean, like I’m partial to that area. I liked the racetrack if we could fix the tire a little bit there. I think that it gets a bad rap because I think it has a not-so-good tire at that racetrack. And so I think it always sells out. Things always come in a big, big way to that race. It’s hard for me to I mean, where else you’re gonna go in November, right?”
His co-host then interjected and said, “Fans obviously want this to move around. I think that’s the… what they’re looking for. But I think it’s harder than that. Right? Because again, what you just asked me, Where are you going to go in November? You don’t have too many options.”
Denny Hamlin cities why Homestead Miami was a better venue
During the same podcast, after his co-host mentioned that fans wished to see the championship race change venues once in a while, Hamlin reflected on the previous venue for the race. He elaborated on why Homestead Miami was a “great venue” for the finale, especially when considering that the race takes place in November.
Hamlin then continued, “You don’t. I mean when you look at the average temperature of the first week of November. I don’t know anywhere kind of above North Carolina. I mean you can have some cold North Carolina early November’s but usually it’s okay. You just want to have a good place like that’s why Homestead Miami was such a great venue for the championship finale. It was always 80 some degrees and it was beautiful.”
He then wrapped up his thoughts, noting that the situation in Phoenix around that time was similar. He reasoned that it was logical for NASCAR to stage the grand finale at this venue. However, he felt there was room for improvement in the quality of racing at the track.
