Exciting times are ahead for NASCAR fans. The Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray is an opportunity to take the sport back to its roots for the first time in over half a century. However, the pre-season opener also presents endless opportunities, especially when it comes to global expansion. The upcoming campaign is already going to feature an international Cup Series race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, opening the doors for ‘The Clash’ to go even further beyond, potentially outside North America.

It’s no secret that stock car racing has gained important footholds overseas, and the opportunity to capitalize on these markets is ripe for the taking. Could the sanctioning body expand its horizons and venture into other countries? It certainly seems like an inevitable prospect.

NASCAR is on the verge of taking a bold step

It’s a chance NASCAR shouldn’t pass by. The Clash is not a points-paying race, which means it is a low-risk and high-reward opportunity that the sanctioning body should capitalize on by hosting the event in another country. The upcoming race in Mexico is a good opportunity for the sport to dip its toes into international expansion, as it would be the first time Cup Series races have taken place south of the border since 1959. However, a pre-season event like ‘the Clash’ can be the sport’s first real ‘overseas’ opportunity, perhaps in Europe, South America, or even the Middle East.

NASCAR is already present in Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and Europe, and each of the racing series has been steadily growing internally and externally over the years. In a tweet uploaded by Adam Stern, the Sports Business Journal reporter said, “@NASCAR is using its season-opening Clash exhibition this year to go back to a classic venue that the Cup Series hasn’t run at since 1971 in Bowman Gray Stadium, but next year the event could be held overseas, possibly Brazil, as the racing property also looks to grow globally.”

There is an insatiable appetite for stock car racing around the world, an opportunity that the sanctioning body can capitalize on with a race where the stakes are not high. NASCAR has already switched the pre-season opener to several different venues over the years, from Daytona International Speedway to the Los Angeles Coliseum and the Bowman Gray Stadium this year. Since it’s an exhibition race, there is no reason why it would affect the Cup Series or the calendar, making the event a lot more feasible logistically.

In fact, the Cup Series is no stranger to hosting exhibition races internationally. Back in November 1998, the grid traveled to the Twin Ring Motegi in Motegi, Japan for the Coca-Cola 500. Mike Skinner won the Motegi race, with Jeff Gordon finishing right behind him. Dale Earnhardt led the race with under 60 laps to go but ended the race in 6th place. In 1996 and 1997, these races were held at Suzuka Circuit in Japan and were won by Rusty Wallace and Mike Skinner, respectively. NASCAR never returned to Japan since, and with so much international expansion by other racing competitions, it seems like NASCAR has taken notice.

Other motorsports disciplines have already expanded internationally, and it’s about time NASCAR follows suit. Despite their struggle to capture the foreign market, IndyCar has raced in Japan, Canada, Brazil, and Australia while Formula 1 has gained a significant foothold in the United States. Catering to underserved fans internationally is an untapped opportunity for the sport, one that they need to utilize or risk falling far behind.

Blaney believes the Clash can lead to global expansion

Trending

1

Kyle Busch Handed “Final Warning” by NASCAR as Internal Friction Erupts at Chevrolet

2

Justice for NASCAR Legend as FBI Takes Down Elite Car Thieves in Shocking Undercover Operation

3

Chase Elliott Branded NASCAR’s “Last Big Hope” as ‘Loudmouth’ Denny Hamlin Earns Controversial Veteran’s Respect

4

Denny Hamlin Pushed Around at Bowman Gray by Roger Penske’s New Short Track Master

5

Richard Childress & Co Blamed for Kyle Busch’s Failures as NASCAR Veteran Exposes Rowdy’s Career Blunder

NASCAR is evolving as a sport. The stock car racing series began on dusty short tracks at venues like the Bowman Gray Stadium, eventually transitioning to sprawling ovals at iconic venues such as the Daytona and Charlotte Motor Speedway. However, recent trends indicate that the calendar has begun to feature several non-oval tracks as well, with COTA, Sonoma, and Watkins Glen becoming fan favorites over the years. It seems like a new NASCAR era is on the horizon, one that will go from being an American spectacle to a global phenomenon.

Believing that ‘the Clash’ can be NASCAR’s gateway to international markets, Ryan Blaney candidly said, “Yeah, I mean I said it earlier, this is the perfect race you have a chance to move it around. Go to different parts of the country, maybe even outside of the USA, to give a different part of the, an area and a fanbase something to watch. NASCAR and Cup cars in general.”

The Team Penske driver isn’t alone in feeling this way. The sentiment was echoed by Chase Elliott as well, who went on to say, “I kind of like Ryan’s thought of potentially getting outside of the United States.” Given how financially lucrative expanding internationally can be, it feels like it’s only a matter of time before NASCAR makes the bold move of hosting the pre-season race abroad. That will allow the sanctioning body to test the waters, paving the way for points-paying Cup Series races being held around the world as well.