NASCAR has certainly been bold with its schedule over the last few seasons as new tracks, such as the Chicago Street Course and Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum, have been public talking points due to milestones being reached.
The sport will head to Chicago, IL on the Fourth of July Weekend for its first street course race in history. Meanwhile, other major events are taking place with former tracks, such as North Wilkesboro Speedway hosting the NASCAR All-Star Race this year.
However, there is an even bigger situation that is being considered that should be talked about more as NASCAR has received interest from cities north and south of the border regarding a possible Cup Series race.
Related: NASCAR rumored to add ‘one big date’ to the 2024 schedule
NASCAR ‘looking’ at Canada or Mexico to host a Cup Series race in 2024
It has been almost four years since NASCAR last raced outside of the United States when the Truck Series competed at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park from 2013-2019. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic ended the event due to the restrictions but could the sport go back sooner rather than later?
Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern went on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio and talked about what he is watching out for right now within the sport. One of those areas included the sport’s desire for an international race for the Cup Series.
“I think the main thing I am watching out for right now is kinda the possibility of (NASCAR) going to somewhere in North America outside of the US. So, whether that’s Canada or Mexico for a (Cup Series) race next year…I don’t know exactly where that’s gonna be yet but I do know they are certainly looking at going to one of those countries next year.”
Adam Stern on NASCAR’s desire to race outside of America in 2024
Steve Phelps, President of NASCAR, did not shut down the possibility of an international race in 2024 when the annual State of the Sport address was held in November 2022 at Phoenix Raceway before the championship races.
However, there is another wrinkle to this situation. Richard Childress Racing driver Kyle Busch was arrested and detained in a Mexico airport for leaving a handgun in his bag during the offseason. Busch was sentenced to 3.5 years in a Mexican prison but did not serve any time.
If the racing series were to compete in Mexico starting in 2024, would the two-time Cup Series champion have any troubles with the situation? It remains to be seen but it is something to keep in mind as the sport has its discussions on the 2024 schedule.
NASCAR likely won’t release the schedule until late summer or early fall so there is plenty of time for the sport to work on a massive move of an international race. Hopefully, those efforts come to fruition and another major milestone is reached again.
In the meantime, whether you are watching it live or looking for how to watch NASCAR on TV or another streaming platform, Sportsnaut has you covered for the upcoming weekend at Dover Motor Speedway!