The reason behind some of NASCAR's schedule changes

The Craftsman Truck Series schedule features some major changes in 2025, including the addition of three new road courses. As it turns out, NASCAR has a specific reason for switching up everything.

"Really making sure we're doing our part to develop our drivers for the Xfinity Series and eventually the Cup Series, coming through the Craftsman Truck Series as well," explained Jusan Hamilton, managing director of competition operations at NASCAR, during a Thursday press conference.

As Hamilton explained, NASCAR worked directly with Truck Series teams while building the 2025 schedule. The purpose of the collaboration was to help the teams and the series continue to grow.

This is why NASCAR arranged the Truck Series schedule the way it did and why the number of races increased from 23 to 25. The opportunity to further develop drivers was a big reason why NASCAR chose to add Watkins Glen, the Roval, Lime Rock Park, and Rockingham.

The Glen and Rockingham previously had spots on the Truck Series schedule, albeit for brief stints. The series has never competed at the Charlotte Roval or Lime Rock Park.

The Truck teams will take on these new venues while also returning to familiar favorites such as Darlington Raceway, Daytona International Speedway, and Homestead-Miami Speedway.

The teams and sponsors will have more opportunities to showcase the third-tier series on Fox-owned channels. The drivers, meanwhile, will continue to face new challenges while preparing for potential moves up the NASCAR ranks.

"This expansion is a testament to the intense competition and continued growth and fan support for that series," Hamilton added. "The increased diversity and track type will without a doubt challenge our up-and-coming drivers.

"The Craftsman Truck Series will go to Lime Rock Park in Connecticut for the first time. Lime Rock is a legendary venue in the northeast, one of the oldest continually operating road course circuits in the U.S. Without a doubt this addition will be one of the most anticipated events on the Truck Series calendar in 2025."

2025 Craftsman Truck Series schedule