NASCAR Canada—Has a Monumental Step Towards International Expansion Just Been Taken With a Brilliant Marketing Gimmick?

For quite some time now, NASCAR fans have lobbied hard for a NASCAR race to be held outside the boundaries of the United States.  While an event in Montreal was discussed for the 2024 schedule, fans were left waiting for another year after the official calendar came to light. As the hope of a future race fills the air, NASCAR has unveiled a new announcement that might be the first step in the promotion’s larger plans for global expansion.

Along with the 2024 schedule for NASCAR’s series in Canada, the promotion also announced that it will rebrand itself in the country to now be called, “NASCAR Canada.”

NASCAR rebrands itself to become the NASCAR Canada Series

The Canadian version of the Cup Series, known as the Pinty’s Series, will run from 2024 in the name of “NASCAR Canada.” Evirum and Pinty’s are poised to serve as the presenting sponsors. Notably, Pinty’s has been the entitlement partner since 2016. The upcoming schedule for Canada will have 13 races across 6 different provinces. In a new move, the finale will also be held at the Autodrome Monogamy, the first in Quebec.

Chad Seigler, the Chief International Officer of the promotion said, as reported by motorsport.com, “Canadian motorsports fans are incredibly passionate, and the new NASCAR Canada Series name appropriately captures their nationalistic pride. The series features Canada’s biggest racing stars, competing at the top tracks across the country.”

While the move certainly spells delight for racing fans in Canada, those who were expecting a Cup Series race in the country aren’t totally satisfied yet. Though NASCAR has been talking about expanding the reach of the sport and getting into newer markets and generations, the lack of an overseas event remains a thorn in its side. Nevertheless, the renaming of the Pinty’s Series certainly appeals now more to the brand of NASCAR.

Watch Story: Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Take on the Florence Wreck

The promotion is eyeing major international expansion in the coming years

Trending

Rick Hendrick’s Company Drops a Surprise Christmas Gift for Chase Elliott & Co

Hailie Deegan’s Struggles Worsen as Accident From Race Against NASCAR Legends Emerges

NASCAR Found Guilty by Law After Offending Michael Jordan’s Team in Antitrust Lawsuit

Bubba Wallace Faces Brutal Warning on His 23XI Racing Future From NASCAR Veteran

NASCAR Lawsuit: Both Parties Reach an Agreement as One Loses the First Bout

Throughout 2023, talks of a race in Canada in 2024 were brewing. Though the schedule is now set without one, the sentiment for the Cup Series to break its boundaries in 2025 is growing. After the 2023 season finale at Phoenix, the CEO of the promotion, Steve O’Donnell underlined his interest in taking the sport to global markets. Confirming his spent interest in a race in Montreal in 2024, he said (as reported by Front Office Sports), “Absolutely. We’re exploring a number of different options. We want to bring that experience outside of North America as well.”

The Sports Business Journal had also reported earlier in the year that the success of NASCAR’s Le Mans entry via Rick Hendrick‘s Garage 56, had helped catapult the series’ demand in countries in the Middle East and India. As talks continue taking place on multiple fronts, the rebranding of the Canadian Series could potentially be the first step in the plans of O’Donnell and Seigler. With new media deals being penned and initiatives like Trackhouse Racing‘s Project91 and Garage 56 being massive hits, the global reach of stock car racing is bound to reach fresh highs. Let’s hope the NASCAR Canada series sets the ball rolling in this expansion.

Read More: NASCAR Fans Take Shots at Goodyear’s Desperate $2 Billion Attempt To Streamline Business Endeavors