NASCAR is gearing up for a global expansion, with strong rumors circulating about new international venues. Despite the current season being in full swing, discussions about next year’s plans are heating up. Fans are eagerly anticipating an intriguing schedule, new TV deals, and a streaming partner. Everyone seems excited about these changes.
Two locations are emerging as strong contenders to host international Cup races, and it looks like an official announcement is imminent. This expansion will allow international fans to experience the thrill of NASCAR racing firsthand.
NASCAR’s Global Push: Expanding Horizons?
NASCAR is breaking out of its traditional mold and expanding its reach. The sport, steeped in tradition, is attracting a broader audience through platforms like Netflix and social media. Events like the Chicago Street Race and the Busch Light Clash demonstrate NASCAR’s efforts to appeal to new viewers. With domestic markets engaged, the next logical step is to venture internationally.
Rumors suggest that two new venues will be added for the upcoming season, with Mexico City and Montreal in the running to host Cup races in 2025. NASCAR Prophecy’s tweet added weight to these rumors, stating, “The 2025 NASCAR Schedule should be released in the next few weeks. I’m hearing that the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez road course in Mexico & Circuit Gilles Villeneuve road course in Montreal will be added to the CUP Series Schedule.”
Chad Seigler’s earlier comments about progress on the international race schedule further validate these speculations. Seigler indicated that NASCAR is close to scheduling its first Cup Series race outside the US, saying, “We’re still working on the 2025 schedule. We feel like we are getting closer every day to it. I don’t think it’s an issue of, Are we going to eventually get the Cup Series outside the US? It’s more the matter of when.” While official statements are still pending, the prospects look promising, though not everyone is pleased.
Traditionally, NASCAR has raced on ovals, which many purists prefer. Historically, NASCAR included only two road courses, but now there are five: COTA, Sonoma, Chicago, Watkins Glen, and Roval. The news of additional international road courses may not sit well with everyone.
For instance, Brad Keselowski has struggled with road courses, finishing 13th in Sonoma and 18th in Chicago this year. Although he has had successes with five top-3 finishes in his first 16 road course races, recent performances have been challenging.
Bubba Wallace has openly admitted his difficulties with road courses, even participating in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge to improve. Despite his efforts, he finished 20th in Sonoma, 15th in COTA, and 13th in Chicago this year.
Denny Hamlin also faces challenges with road courses. At COTA, he started in eighth place but fell to 14th. He attributed his performance issues to age, saying, “I would say it plays a factor because I can’t run in a simulator five days a week, my body will not let me do that… And when you ask is age a factor? Absolutely, I mean coming off shoulder surgery, and I can’t overwork myself. My body hurts in a lot of places for a few days after the race.” His results were similarly poor in Sonoma (38th) and Chicago (30th).
Even veteran drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr. never won a road course race in his long career, and his legendary father only won once on a road course in 1995. Road courses pose a significant challenge for some drivers, making the rumored international expansion a tough pill to swallow for them.
