Dale Earnhardt Jr. Claims Homestead’s Latest Appointment Could Be "One of the Dominoes’ Amid Fans’ Disdain for Phoenix

We're deep into the second half of the NASCAR Cup Series season, with only seven races left before the playoffs begin. Drivers are revving up for an intense chase for the championship. Last race, Joey Logano took the win at Nashville, and drivers like Bubba Wallace, and Kyle Busch are still looking to make their mark, with the Phoenix Raceway finale in November on their radar.

But Dale Earnhardt Jr ., like many others, has had his fill of the Arizona track. He's nostalgic for the old Homestead-Miami Speedway. Recently, some news stirred up his feelings even more, and Dale Jr. is looking forward to some changes in the near future.

Here is why Dale Earnhardt Jr. is dewy-eyed about the Miami update Homestead-Miami Speedway is a regular fixture on the motorsports grid. Hosting IndyCar, the IMSA Sportscar Championship, and NASCAR, the track reeks of versatility. But it holds a special place in NASCAR fans' hearts, serving as the final championship race for 18 years. So when Phoenix Raceway invaded its pedestal in 2020, fans were far from happy and continued to be glum about it .

Dale Earnhardt Jr. also ranks among the Phoenix denouncers. But not anymore!

Recently, Homestead Miami-Speedway announced its new track president, Guillermo Santa Cruz. With decades of award-winning experience in the sports media world, Santa Cruz spells new hope. So Junior is hopeful, as he said, "As much as I think we all would want this to have been the news, that Homestead may be returning to the finale at some point down the road...Don't dismiss this piece of information, 'cause this could be one of the dominoes in that process."

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s excitement amped up further after he communicated with an insider. Ben Kennedy, NASCAR's senior vice president of racing development and strategy, indicated some bright prospects. "So, texting with Ben Kennedy, he is excited about this news. He thinks that this is a great move for their executive team and for Homestead as well. I'm still hopeful that that means that they're prepping Homestead for something."

Inaugurated in 1995, the 1.5-mile track near Miami was initially meant to help Dade County recover economically from Hurricane Andrew. But in the long run, the track won over several hearts. With the recent unveiling of tracks like Iowa Speedway, fervent hopes prevail about Miami. Tyler Reddick confessed recently: "I love [the track] Homestead-Miami."

And Homestead's new track president is cooking up some enticing plans about NASCAR's future there.

Santa Cruz aims to wield the NASCAR audience Although Homestead is only an hour's drive from Miami, it has rarely been viewed as part of South Florida's glamorous sports scene. Basketball, softball, and soccer are only some of the many diverse sports that Florida people enjoy. But Guillermo Santa Cruz, Miami Speedway's new president, is determined to draw public attention to NASCAR as well. An added advantage is his upbringing in Miami, and Santa Cruz knows its culture and business acumen by the vein.

The sports veteran said to the press recently: "I have a good feel for the market and the community because I'm part of that market and community. I have the advantage of growing up here and having a feel for different cultures." He added further about motorsports opportunities in Miami, which would delight Dale Earnhardt Jr.

"If the drivers like it, that means the racing is good and if the racing is good, the fans will come. So many sports events cycle through South Florida and people from all over the world come to South Florida, where motorsports is incredibly popular internationally. There are so many opportunities for our track."

Evidently, Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s guess may prove right, and Miami Speedway may come back as the championship race. For now, let us wait for and enjoy the one playoff race it holds. However, are you excited?