2025 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule: What You Need to Know

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series schedule has been officially released, unveiling a season with sweeping changes aimed at revitalizing the series. This year’s changes range from a reorganization of race locations to expanded broadcast partnerships, all made to engage fans and reshape NASCAR’s approach to the season.

Big changes behind the scenes at NASCAR

One of the most substantial adjustments is the relocation of Homestead-Miami Speedway’s race from the playoffs to an earlier date in March. By moving this race to March 23, NASCAR is injecting new energy into Homestead’s role within the schedule. Darlington’s “throwback weekend,” traditionally held on Mother’s Day, is now moving to April, while Kansas Speedway takes over the Mother’s Day slot.

Further reshaping the season, NASCAR is returning the preseason Clash to Bowman Gray Stadium in North Carolina, a venue it hasn’t used since 1971. This return to Winston-Salem brings NASCAR back to its roots, juxtaposing modern excitement with historic appeal. International expansion is also on the agenda, with a points-paying race set for June 15 at Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Richmond Raceway, in turn, will be limited to hosting just one Cup weekend.

Joey Logano, driver of the #22 Shell Pennzoil Ford, celebrates with a burnout after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway on November 10, 2024 in Avondale, Arizona. NASCAR’s 2025 Cup Series…

Meg Oliphant/Getty Images

NASCAR’s broadcasting strategy for 2025 introduces a mix of familiar and new faces. FOX and FS1 will cover the season’s first 12 races, including the Daytona 500 and the All-Star Race, while Prime Video will broadcast a new in-season tournament with a $1 million prize. NBC and USA Network will then take over for the last 14 races, covering the majority of playoff events.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Changes

The playoffs themselves have seen a redesign. The first playoff round will now include Darlington, Gateway, and Bristol, while New Hampshire replaces Talladega in the quarterfinals. The semifinals feature a fresh lineup of Las Vegas, Talladega, and Martinsville, with the Championship Race remaining in Phoenix on November 2.

Alongside these changes, NASCAR has diversified its media partnerships, adding Prime Video and TNT to its lineup of existing partners, FOX and NBC. This new TV deal extends to 2031 and spreads content across digital and cable platforms, aiming to broaden NASCAR’s reach in a shifting media landscape.

Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series changes

The Xfinity and Craftsman Truck Series schedules are also seeing changes. The Xfinity Series will air exclusively on CW, while the Craftsman Truck Series will primarily air on FS1, introducing a few timing shifts but maintaining continuity.

With these extensive changes, NASCAR’s 2025 schedule reflects an aggressive strategy to meet fans’ evolving preferences and adapt to the age of streaming.