In 2026, NASCAR is poised to make history by possibly heading to Brazil for the first time to host a Cup Series race. This ambitious plan is being orchestrated by the São Paulo State Government in collaboration with city officials, aiming to expand NASCAR’s international footprint and bring high-octane racing to a new audience.
The proposal under consideration involves hosting the season-opening race, known as The Clash, in Brazil. This move could potentially preclude Bowman Gray Stadium from hosting the race, a prospect reported by several industry insiders. The introduction of NASCAR to Brazil is a momentous event for motorsport enthusiasts not only in Brazil but across the entire South American continent, where the sport has a growing fanbase.
To discuss the feasibility of this groundbreaking event, Tom Dannemiller, NASCAR’s representative in Brazil, met with São Paulo’s Governor Tarcísio de Freitas and the city’s Mayor Ricardo Nunes on Thursday. The meeting included various state and municipal secretaries, reflecting the high level of commitment from local authorities. Governor Freitas emphasized the significant benefits such an event could bring, including increased tourism, investment, and job creation. “We are always looking for the best attractions for São Paulo that can bring in tourists, as well as attract investment and generate jobs,” he said, according to motorsport.com. He also highlighted São Paulo’s top-notch racetrack, which is well-suited to hosting major sporting events.
In the lead-up to this potential landmark event, the NASCAR Brasilia Series is about to host its fifth stage in the current calendar. This race will take place at the renowned Autódromo José Carlos Pace, better known as Interlagos. Cup Series regular Daniel Suarez, who has recently married his longtime partner Julia Piquet, will compete in the event. Suarez shared his enthusiasm for racing at such a historic venue, expressing his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity.
Meanwhile, NASCAR has yet to release its 2025 schedule, leaving the official date for the inaugural non-point race in Brazil unknown. The schedule was originally expected to be published by late May, but its release has been delayed due to what veteran FOX Sports journalist Bob Pockrass referred to as the “international component.”
In addition to the potential Brazilian event, NASCAR is planning significant changes to its 2025 schedule. These changes include the removal of Atlanta Motor Speedway and Watkins Glen from the playoff roster, with Darlington, Loudon, and Gateway being added to the postseason lineup. However, this shift has not been without controversy. Dale Earnhardt Jr., a retired NASCAR legend, voiced his disappointment over the exclusion of Homestead-Miami Speedway from the playoffs. In a recent episode of his podcast, Earnhardt lamented the decision, noting that Homestead had been a staple for the championship race from 2002 to 2019 and had hosted 18 playoff races over the past two decades. He reflected on how odd it felt to move the race to an earlier part of the season after it had long been synonymous with the season finale. Interestingly, Earnhardt’s final Cup Series race took place at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2017, adding a personal layer to his disappointment.
As NASCAR continues to evolve and explore new horizons, the potential race in Brazil represents a significant step in its global expansion efforts, promising to bring the thrill of NASCAR racing to a whole new audience while also reshaping its traditional calendar to keep the sport dynamic and engaging for its fans.
