LIVE REPORT: NASCAR Shakes Up 2025 Schedule – Brad Keselowski Pushes for a Championship Finale at Darlington!
NASCAR has unveiled its revamped 2025 schedule, promising a mix of nostalgia and international flair. For the first time in modern history, the sport will host a points-paying race in Mexico this June. Additionally, after 54 years, the iconic Bowman Gray Stadium will return to host the Busch Light Clash. Yet, amidst these bold changes, the Championship finale will remain at Phoenix Raceway, a decision that continues to spark debate among fans and drivers.
Keselowski’s Call for Change
While Phoenix Raceway has been the Championship venue since 2020, following a $178M renovation in 2018, it remains a polarizing choice. Despite selling out seven consecutive Cup Series races, fans have repeatedly called for a return to Homestead-Miami Speedway, citing its dramatic racing history. However, Brad Keselowski has another suggestion: Darlington Raceway.
“Been thinking about this one for a while,” Keselowski shared on social media. “I really like both @TooToughToTame or @CLTMotorSpdwy as a season finale. What do you all think? I’d do a poll but not sure how to anymore…”
The RFK Racing owner, who snapped a 103-race winless streak at Darlington this year, sees potential in the historic track. Known as the “Track Too Tough to Tame,” Darlington has been a staple in NASCAR since 1950. Legendary driver Dale Earnhardt conquered the track nine times, cementing its place as a fan favorite.
NASCAR Drops Hints
Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s COO, recently hinted at the possibility of rotating the championship venue, offering fans a glimmer of hope. While fans favor Homestead-Miami, O’Donnell left the door open for other tracks, saying:
“I would not limit something just to Miami if we were to rotate it. I think you’d have a broader look at venues that could host a championship. But short term, we’re in Phoenix, we’re extremely happy there, and we want to make sure that whatever we do, we continue to grow the sport when it relates to the playoffs.”
The Bowman Gray Comeback
While the championship debate rages on, NASCAR is reviving another iconic track: Bowman Gray Stadium, nicknamed “The Madhouse.” The stadium, which hasn’t hosted a NASCAR event in decades, will be the site of the Busch Light Clash on February 2. Fans will also see a legendary figure return to the spotlight: Tim Brown, Bowman Gray’s all-time winningest driver.
A Madhouse Legend Takes the Stage
Tim Brown, a 53-year-old racer from Yadkinville, North Carolina, has made a name for himself at Bowman Gray, with an astounding 101 victories, 12 track championships, and 146 poles. Now, he’s set to drive the No. 15 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Rick Ware Racing (RWR) in the Clash.
For Brown, this is a dream come true:
“I’ve worked my whole life to try to be a Cup driver… For Rick Ware and everybody involved here at RWR to give me the chance to go run a Cup race is so humbling and so heartwarming. It’s really cool.”
Brown added, “Just getting some track time before we climb in the Cup car, which I’ve never driven before other than on the chassis dyno, will be very helpful.”
Looking Ahead
As NASCAR continues to honor its history by bringing back iconic tracks like Bowman Gray, Brad Keselowski’s push for Darlington as a championship venue gains traction. Whether this wish becomes reality remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: NASCAR’s 2025 season is shaping up to be one of its most exciting yet.
