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Whether you always agree with Bruton Smith or not, you've got to appreciate the way he keeps NASCAR's power brokers honest and on their toes.This week the outspoken and oft-controversial Smith suggested that NASCAR move the season finale from Homestead-Miami Speedway back to Atlanta Motor Speedway, where the champion was crowned through 2001.
Of course Smith's Speedway Motorsports Inc. (SMI) owns and operates the speedways in Atlanta; Texas; Las Vegas; Sonoma, Calif.; Bristol; and Charlotte; so he is always trying to drum up new business. And often his ideas make sense, like the idea that Las Vegas should have a second date.
But the Associated Press quoted Smith as asking this week: "Why have the last race of the season at some godforsaken area just north of Cuba?"
And he'll need a better argument than that.
The Homestead area – located South of Miami at the gateway to the Florida Keys – may not be home to the "traditional" NASCAR fan base – but the traditional NASCAR fan base has certainly come to attend this race.
It is also a big hit for locals, which include a strong Latin fan base that NASCAR has pursued.
The track has worked hard to make the race a huge event in the area. You can count on good weather even in mid-November and it's a destination visit that attracts fans and sponsors.
The races have been good, the championships interesting.
Smith argues that Atlanta would offer a larger grandstand and easier travel – great points – but Championship Weekend is supposed to be something even more. Something out of the ordinary.
Homestead has always delivered on that. The biggest knock is the late afternoon start times and that has nothing to do with the facility and everything to do with television.
"I love what Bruton brings to the sport," four-time champion Jeff Gordon said. "He always gives you good material to write. ... and he builds beautiful facilities.
"But I do think Homestead is the place to wind down our season. I love that track. I love the area."
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