Reports of Tony Stewart’s Masterstroke Edging Over NASCAR’s Plans Divides Racing Fandom

August marked the conclusion of the SRX Series’ 2023 season, culminating at the Lucas Oil Speedway, Missouri. The event took an exhilarating turn as NASCAR’s “Rocket Man” Ryan Newman showcased his dominance, clinching the championship title in the 2nd heat even before the main event. While the Thursday event marked the end of a successful 2023 season, the buzz around the SRX Series didn’t cease. Just a week later, the curtain lifted on the 2024 campaign, revealing the next summer’s schedule.

Amidst the anticipation for the next season, whispers have emerged about the SRX Series’ evolving future. The brainchild of NASCAR legend Tony “Smoke” Stewart, the Superstar Racing Experience was originally conceived to spotlight veteran drivers in intense battles on short tracks, all driving the same machinery. However, it seems Stewart’s ambitions extend beyond as he envisions expanding the “superstar” aspect into a more comprehensive concept.

Tony Stewart explores international expansion for SRX: A Middle East race in the works?

In a bold move that has raised eyebrows in the motorsports community, the SRX has set its sights on international expansion, with the possibility of hosting a race in the Middle East. The decision comes on the heels of talks of dropping viewership due to a switch in broadcasting networks, as SRX moved its race airings from CBS to ESPN. Spearheading this new venture, the 4x Cup champion Tony Stewart, the driving force behind SRX, is embracing this global expansion fervently.

WATCH THIS STORY: Tony Stewarts 40 Million Venture Jeopardized by Paul Tracy

SRX CEO, Don Hawk disclosed to Sports Business Journal that SRX is actively exploring the possibility of hosting a race in an international location, with the Middle East being a prime contender. When asked about the viability of such a race, Hawk tantalizingly responded, “I would say your oven is warm,” hinting at the high level of interest and engagement from all parties involved.

Hawk outlined a preliminary format as a standalone invitational, featuring a mix of top-notch drivers from different corners of the globe. The proposed lineup could consist of eight drivers from the United States, four from the host country, and an additional four from various other countries around the world. Hawk expressed optimism about the timeline, suggesting that if all the necessary elements align, the race could become a reality by the end of the current year. He stated, “If the country and groups involved accept the proposal I sent to them, it could be by the end of this year — like the very end.” 

SRX’s ambitions spark fan debate: Bold venture or risky gamble?

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In a tweet that ignited a whirlwind of opinions, “@SRXracing is in talks to host a race in the Middle East — possibly Saudi Arabia or Qatar — as soon as the end of this year. It would be a standalone invitational, potentially with eight U.S. drivers, four host country drivers, and four from elsewhere,” the reactions were as diverse as the potential race lineup.

Enthusiasts speculated about financial gains, “Would be for $$$ if it was to come to fruition.” While some questioned the move’s coherence with the series’ identity, they remained intrigued, stating, “That would be wild. Not sure it tracks with the current identity of the series but I’d still tune in.” Supporters saw global horizons, with one comment remarking, “I don’t understand the viewership drop. It’s a fantastic series that I could see a lot of growth. Such as overseas“

On the flip side, skepticism echoed loudly, “I promise you, this would only be a waste of money. NOBODY cares about this.” Discontent arose as one commented on their predictions for the series trajectory, “SRX holds ‘worst race ever’, is asked to leave the professional racing scene.” A disappointed fan lamented a shift from original intentions, “A great idea after one year is about to go completely off the track. It was supposed to be local tracks with a mixture of retired guys from different genres with a local hero.“ The leap from grassroots to the Middle East also caught flak, “Lmao going from grassroots short tracks to the Middle East is wild.”

SRX founder Tony Stewart’s ambitions are debated as uncertainty lingers, “Sounds like Tony counting his chickens before they hatched…again! ” and “Nothing more than a cash grab.”

Read more: “I Don’t Get It”- NASCAR Insider Questions Tony Stewart’s SRX Racing’s Purpose

With opinions skidding in every direction, SRX’s international expansion remains a racing spectacle off and on the track with racing icon Tony Stewart throwing his considerable weight behind this international endeavor. If the proposed Middle East race comes to fruition, it could mark a significant turning point in SRX’s journey, opening doors to a new era.