5 Takeaways From NASCAR’s State of the Sport Address, Including Possible 2027 Qualifying Changes

NASCAR’s championship weekend is underway at Homestead-Miami Speedway, but before the sport crowns its 2026 champions, CEO Steve O’Donnell offered a look at what could be coming next. During his annual State of the Sport address Friday, Nov. 6, O’Donnell tackled some of NASCAR’s biggest questions, from potential qualifying changes and the future of the Next Gen car to television ratings, scheduling and the sport’s efforts to attract younger fans. There were no sweeping announcements, but several of his answers offered clues about NASCAR’s priorities heading into 2027.