NASCAR has not been afraid to make changes to its schedule after not doing much with it for several seasons. This includes many track additions, such as the Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum and the Chicago Street Course.
Due to NASCAR’s new desire for change within the sport, many cities and countries across the world have been calling. This is why the sport might be able to race internationally as early as the 2024 season.
NASCAR used to race internationally before the COVID-19 pandemic but it no longer holds any races outside of the United States. However, this might not be the case for much longer as two countries are showing significant interest.
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NASCAR drawing “very strong interest” from Canada and Mexico to hold a Cup Series race
As stated above, NASCAR will not be shy about changing the schedule and this includes potential races outside of the United States. With the idea of international events on their minds, the sport might have that happen sooner rather than later.
According to the Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern, NASCAR has been receiving “very strong interest” from both Canada and Mexico to hold a Cup Series event in their respective countries.
Canada is the most recent of the two to hold a NASCAR race in general when the Truck Series went to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park from 2013-2019. Justin Haley is the last winner in Canada within the Cup Series. The sport hasn’t been to Mexico since the Xfinity Series stopped going in 2008.
This is why Mexico is the most intriguing of the two countries. The sport has been to Canada recently but there have been few races in the country south of the United States. Plus, more interest from other countries is a great thing.
Mexico has also been in the news relating to NASCAR lately before this report. Kyle Busch, the driver of the No. 8 car for Richard Childress Racing, was arrested and detained in a Mexico airport for leaving a handgun in his bag. Busch was sentenced to 3.5 years in a Mexican prison.
Busch released the following statement on social media following the reports.
It is unclear what would happen if the Cup Series were to hold an event in Mexico over the next few years. Would Busch be allowed in the country or is it fully resolved?
Either way, the idea of NASCAR going to Mexico or Canada is a great one. The best way to grow the sport is to target international parties that don’t have the opportunity to see NASCAR compete.