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NASCAR insider speaks out on 2025 schedule delays, updates release timeline

NASCAR insider speaks out on 2025 schedule delays, updates release timeline

NASCAR Insider Bob Pockrass revealed why there were delays to the 2025 season schedule, and provided an updated timeline for a release in the following calendar year.

Pockrass previously reported that the schedule would be released in May. However, NASCAR would likely add an international race to the schedule, which caused the initial delay.

Pockrass responded to a question on Twitter and further explained why there was no schedule yet.

“Sometimes NASCAR doesn’t release a schedule until September or later,” Pockrass wrote on Twitter. “Right now the expectation is sometime in August. And I would say probably closer to mid-August, but possibly early August, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s late August. In other words, it changes frequently.”

If it changes frequently, fans could be waiting the entire month of August for the 2025 NASCAR schedule to be released. The anticipation is certainly frustrating at this point, as it could be up to three months behind schedule.

Another aspect is the changes to playoff tracks. The Athletic reported that three tracks are expected to drop out of the playoffs next year. Atlanta recently announced that it will move its September playoffs back to the summer as part of NASCAR’s new in-season tournament.

Homestead-Miami Speedway could move to the spring, and Watkins Glen could move to August after a year in the playoffs. The tracks that could make the playoffs in 2025 are Darlington, New Hampshire and Gateway.

NASCAR 2025 Schedule Still Delayed

Someone who likes the rumored schedule changes in Dale Earnhardt Jr. In June, the NASCAR legend spoke on the Dale Jr. Download podcast about the possibility of Homestead-Miami not being in the playoffs.

“I’m disappointed that Homestead is out of the playoffs,” Earnhardt said. “We ran Homestead years ago, early in the season, and it was weird. After the season finale was there for so, so long, it just doesn’t feel right to put it somewhere else in the season. It was nice to have it back in the playoffs.”

Earnhardt then said there are rumors that Homestead could be the final race of the year again.

“If it’s the Finals, I’m fine with them running it in March or somewhere for a year,” Earnhardt explained. “Maybe that’s a trade-off. They want to give some of these other tracks a little taste of what it’s like to be in the playoffs, and Homestead is going to be the Finals.

“So we’re going to put you here in March, not a good date for you, probably not your favorite time of year to race in the NASCAR series. But you’re going to go back to the finale, sit here for a little bit while we entertain these other tracks in the playoffs.”

Brian Jones contributed to this report