Amidst International Expansion, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Was Shocked by NASCAR’s Lack of Efforts to Cater Non-Americans

NASCAR is finally set to make its debut in Mexico on June 15, 2025, at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez. But why has it taken this long? Expanding internationally is crucial for any sport aiming to grow a global audience. NASCAR’s absence beyond U.S. borders has frustrated international fans, making the sport less accessible. Even Dale Earnhardt Jr. highlighted the difficulty of keeping up with NASCAR while abroad during a lighthearted podcast conversation.

By racing in Mexico, NASCAR is not just breaking geographical barriers, but it’s opening the door for a new, eager audience and paving the way for broader international reach.

Did Dale Jr. just miss watching one of the important races for JRM?

NASCAR has always been a favorite in America. However, there have been a lot of new updates that have made NASCAR fans outside of America quite happy. Recently, fans all around the world rejoiced as NASCAR made an official announcement about his Mexico debut. Not just this, but it is also anticipated that this particular Cup Series series race will be aired directly on Prime Video. What makes it special?

It is the first points-paying Cup series event that will be held in Mexico. Even the NASCAR México Series has been sanctioned, and the finals will be in Mexico in November 2025. NASCAR official Ben Kennedy made the official announcement, stating, “This has been on our radar for a long time. We went to our first street race in downtown Chicago, and this is going to be another first for us in a lot of ways.” However, amidst this expansion, there hasn’t been much improvement in how people can enjoy the races beyond the borders. Some countries have specific networks partnered to broadcast the NASCAR races. However, the ease of accessing these channels could be quite less.

Recently, Dale Earnhardt Jr. found himself in a similar situation when he was not within the peripheries of the country. Accessing the NASCAR Xfinity race became a major challenge for him during his holiday in Cancun. In Cancun, which is located in Mexico, the only option is FOX Sports Mexico. However, this is a paid television network, which means that not every place has access to the same.

While you might be able to request the channel from the network provider, it is often not readily available. Recounting his experience on Dirty Mo Media’s October 23rd episode, Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared, “Over the past weekend, I was in Cancun celebrating a close friend’s birthday, and it’s kind of Amy’s family. So, a lot of his friends were also there and had a great trip. It was good but while I was there, man I didn’t not have access to seeing the Xfinity race like I wanted. I mean I know it’s hard internationally. Internationally it’s just impossible. It is just not possible. It’s like you have to go to the bar which has the right channel. I didn’t get to see much of the race.”

Inaccessibility becomes a major issue when only one channel has the right to broadcast. Further, when NASCAR is set to make this venture in Mexico, ensuring smooth access at least in this country is pivotal.

AJ Allmendinger took the win at the Las Vegas Xfinity race, but the spotlight remained on playoff drivers Justin Allgaier and Chandler Smith, who finished third and fourth, respectively. Allgaier’s strong performance in his No. 7 Chevrolet saw him win Stage 2 and lead 42 laps, second only to Allmendinger. Although he didn’t clinch an automatic Championship 4 spot, Allgaier now leads the series standings by 32 points heading into crucial races at Homestead-Miami and Martinsville, which will determine the final four drivers competing for the title on November 9. “He did a great job and hats off to those guys to get a Chevrolet in Victory Lane,” the JR Motorsports driver said of Allmendinger.

However, Dale Jr. couldn’t really watch it properly, and now to combat the accessibility issue, the NASCAR official website has some alternative methods. This includes options like Race Center and Scanner to help you access the radio broadcast or even camera visions. However, one cannot compare the alternatives to the fun of the live screening on television!

While this was one thing Junior discussed, another was his most anticipated run and collaboration with the former sponsor.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is set to get behind the Budweiser paint scheme 

This is not the only time that Dale Earnhardt Jr. could relate to the audience. Recently, an update from the team made fans excited about the upcoming proceedings. Any Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan would know that the iconic Budweiser paint scheme is nostalgic and evokes several happy memories.

The upcoming season and remaining Late Model Stock Car Races will witness Earnhardt Jr. competing in the limited yet infamous red-and-black paint scheme. An excited Junior even said, “It is an incredible opportunity for me to be able to reunite with Budweiser and the No. 8.”

The No. 8 car will now be based on the theme of “Bud King of Beers.” After all, it has been the crux of success for Earnhardt Jr. right from 1999 to 2007 for nine seasons. Reflecting on this wonderful venture, Dale Earnhardt Jr. also said, “Budweiser and I had some great memories with that iconic scheme and number. We’ve always supported each other over the years. It’s going to be special for me to be able to represent that brand on the racetrack again.”

With the resurgence of Budweiser coupling it with the No. 8 car, will it again prove to be lucky for Dale Earnhardt Jr.?