Displeased Fans Tear Into NASCAR’s International Narrative Robbing Grassroots Racing

Before NASCAR headed to Bowman Gray, its objectives were clear. By roping in local racing heroes like Burt Myers or Tim Brown and allowing for the Madhouse Mayhem to unfold, the sport wanted to return to grassroots racing. The rowdy fans who flip birds at drivers, and demolition derbies that break out of heated rivalries – we witnessed all that at the Cook Out Clash. However, NASCAR wants to move on from all of that.

Although the international narrative is not new to NASCAR, efforts to promote it have gained momentum in recent years. The 2025 Cup Series season will see its first points-paying race held at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City. Similarly, the Clash may have a new overseas destination, but fans are raising their eyebrows.

Is NASCAR going to Brasil?

The conversation began in August last year. The Governor of São Paulo state Tarcísio de Freitas and Mayor of the city of São Paulo Ricardo Nunes met with Tom Dannemiller, NASCAR’s Brazil representative. Well, you can guess the topic of their discussion – conducting the Clash race in the South American country for 2026. The country is already home to NASCAR Brazil, whose 2024 Interlagos event witnessed Cup Series star Daniel Suarez taking part. The only Brazilian racer to ever win in NASCAR was Nelson Piquet Jr., who won two Truck races and an Xfinity race in 2012.

Now, however, NASCAR is ready to take this relationship to the next level. According to a rumor recently circulated by a diehard fan on Twitter, the 2026 plans may be getting serious. “This isn’t new, or news really, but NASCAR is in some fairly serious talks about taking the Clash to Brazil next year.” This possible scenario would mark the fourth venue for the Clash – after Daytona, the Los Angeles Coliseum, and then Bowman Gray Stadium. Until now, the Cup Series has not raced outside the US since the Twin Ring Motegi races in Japan in 1998. Canada has also hosted points-paying races back in the 1950s.

Apart from these excursions, no more efforts have been undertaken to go international. But that narrative is already changing. NASCAR’s vice-president Chad Seigler made that very clear: “For years we said we want to go outside the U.S. and race, and you’ve seen us move from the messaging of it’s not a matter of if, but a matter of when. I would tell you that we’re leaning even closer now to, ‘Yes, we are going.’” Even São Paulo governor Freitas is eager: “We are always looking for the best attractions for São Paulo that can bring in tourists, as well as attract investment and generate jobs.” However, the audience reception is not so bright and sunny.

Fans fire shots

If you have an inkling of the NASCAR fanbase, you would know what nostalgia means to them. The sport thrives on fans reminiscing about old racetracks and legendary speedsters who dominated them. So the return to Bowman Gray was welcomed by most people. NASCAR had raced at the ‘Madhouse’ between 1958 and 1971, a period when Richard Petty was in his youth and prime. So one fan is not willing to let go of this piece of heritage so soon: “I think you gotta keep it at Bowman Gray for at least 2 more years.” Somebody else feels more nostalgic about the Daytona track. After all, the Clash debuted at the Florida racetrack as a warm-up for the much-awaited Daytona 500 race. “Daytona… bring back the Bud Shootout. Pole winners, champions and Daytona 500 winners only. Stop this nonsense already.”

Others pointed out holes in the endeavor. NASCAR has undertaken several efforts recently to cut down expenses. Those range from introducing the single-source parts Next Gen car to shaving off practice time for teams. So one fan could not add up how the sport can haul itself all the way to Brazil. “NASCAR says practicing for more than 15 minutes is too expensive for teams but has no problem shipping them off to a different country for an exhibition race…makes sense.”

The Clash itself holds immense prestige among fans. Ever since its inception, it has seen several star-studded winners. They include seven-time Cup champions Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson, 16-time Most Popular Driver Bill Elliott, and 54-time Cup race winner Denny Hamlin. So one fan is not willing to let the Clash date go over to a different country. “The Clash needs to stay in the US no matter what. If we want an international non-points race, make it the last weekend of November like the ‘96, ‘97 and ‘98 Japan races.”

Evidently, NASCAR’s international efforts have drawn criticism from the core fanbase. We will only know about the final decision in the coming months.