Sports

MIAMI (AP) — NASCAR’s championship weekend will return to Homestead-Miami Speedway next year, marking the first time since 2019 that the title-winners will be crowned at the South Florida track.

NASCAR made the announcement Tuesday. Its three series — the truck series, the Xfinity Series and the Cup Series — will see their seasons come to a close at Homestead from Nov. 6-8, 2026.

It isn’t a permanent return, though: NASCAR said that championship weekends are going to be on a rotation “to ensure that the season’s exciting conclusion is shared amongst NASCAR’s marquee venues and key markets.”

“As we move forward, the rotating model will provide new challenges for competitors as well as opportunities for unique venues to host our loyal fans at NASCAR Championship Weekend,” NASCAR executive vice president Ben Kennedy said.

Phoenix will play host to this year’s championship weekend again, and NASCAR said it will be part of the title-deciding-location rotation in the future as well.

Homestead-Miami was the championship weekend site from 2002 through 2019. There are three active drivers who were crowned NASCAR champions at Homestead — Kyle Busch in 2015 and 2019, Brad Keselowski in 2012 and Joey Logano in 2018. Logano has also won the title at Phoenix in two of the last three seasons, including last year.

And all seven of Jimmie Johnson’s NASCAR titles came at Homestead, which has renamed a tunnel in his honor to commemorate those championships.

NASCAR decided after the 2001 season to move its truck and Cup series races to one track, in order to create a season-ending championship celebration. Homestead-Miami was the original site, and it moved to Phoenix starting in 2020.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Indians announced Monday that tickets are now on sale for “Dinner on the Diamond,” a new upscale dining event set to take place on the field at Victory Field on June 5.

The five-course dinner will begin at 6 p.m. and is curated by Chef Tyler of Tinker Street Restaurant and Wine Bar. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Indianapolis Indians Charities.

“Dinner on the Diamond is a unique opportunity for fans to experience Victory Field like never before, with an elegant atmosphere and delicious, upscale menu provided by Tinker Street to match,” said Joel Zawacki, the Indians’ vice president and chief commercial officer. “We are excited for this inaugural event and to continue expanding Victory Field’s reputation as a versatile, premier event space in the Circle City.”

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour in the Elements Financial Club, offering views of downtown Indianapolis. Guests will then be escorted to the field for dinner service.

The five-course menu, inspired by traditional ballpark fare, includes gourmet renditions of stadium staples. Each course is paired with a signature cocktail, mocktail or glass of wine.

Courses include items such as peanut hummus, a smoked pulled pork tostada, a crispy chicken duo with potato pavé, a reimagined ballpark hot dog served on a house-made pretzel bun, and a sweet corn ice cream sundae presented in a mini baseball helmet.

Representatives from Tinker Street will present and describe each course and beverage pairing.

“Tinker Street specializes in crafting premier culinary experiences, and Dinner on the Diamond is no exception,” said Jourdan Ivory, restaurant operations manager at Tinker Street. “We are looking forward to guests encountering tastes of the ballpark like never before.”

Individual tickets are priced at $225, while tables of eight are available for $1,800. Tickets can be purchased at VictoryField.com.

Guests will have the opportunity to submit dietary restrictions, drink preferences and seating requests during checkout. Seating is limited.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon will celebrate its 50th running on May 2, 2026, in Indianapolis, inviting participants from around the world to join in this iconic event.

Registration for the Mini-Marathon is currently open, with prices at $65 for the Mini-Marathon and $30 for the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K until May 12, offering the lowest rates available for early registrants.

“The Mini-Marathon and 5K are among the 500 Festival’s most iconic events, and the 2026 races will be especially meaningful as we celebrate the 50th Running of the Mini-Marathon,” 500 Festival President and CEO Bob Bryant said.

Over 23,000 Runners, walkers, and wheelchair users from across the globe came to Indianapolis for the 2025 Mini-Marathon.

As the 500 Festival prepares for this milestone event, thousands of runners, walkers, and wheelchair participants are expected to create unforgettable memories at The Greatest Spectacle in Running®.