In the world of motorsports, Formula 1 has always enjoyed a hallowed position among fans. Moreover, with the creation of the Netflix original series Drive to Survive, the sport has gained an unprecedented amount of popularity around the globe. However, for Americans, it has always been the rumbling of stock cars and V8 engines that has garnered the most attention.

But it seems that NASCAR is garnering a newer fanbase, after its unanticipated success at the Circuit de la Sarthe, through the hands of Hendrick Motorsports and its brainchild Garage 56. The Le Man’s project by NASCAR has undoubtedly been an ambitious step, creating an international consciousness and also attracting European manufacturers.

It seems that the CEO of NASCAR is taking strides down the same road, after collaborating with its winningest team and manufacturer on the grid.

Jim France reveals his intentions after gaining popularity at Le Mans

NASCAR’s 24 hours of endurance was nothing less than a leap of faith in order to achieve bigger goals towards the development of stock car racing and also to come under the radar of elite manufacturers. At present, there are only three engine manufacturers, that dominate the world of stock including Chevrolet, Toyota, and Ford. 

But for the past few years, there have been muffled speculations about whether NASCAR would see the entry of new OEMs or rather the old ones like Dodge. After garnering the deserved response on the international stage, NASCAR CEO Jim France is finally putting all speculations to rest as he spills the beans on the future ambitions of NASCAR.

Showing off the potency of stock car racing after collaborating with HMS, France in a Marketplace interview, revealed, “I would love to see some European manufacturer, that makes a nice sedan that they sell in America, to decide to maybe put one of those in a NASCAR race someday… That would be my ultimate goal.” 

Watch this Story:  During Kyle Busch’s Magical Night, Wife Samantha Enjoys A Dream Opportunity

Brands like BMW and Mercedes are already settled on American soil, and with a giant customer base, the dream might not be far-fetched. Moreover, the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai, had also shown a keen interest in joining the stock car racing arena. Nevertheless, the CEO of NASCAR also added, “A lot of great European cars are being built in America. They can make some good noise, too, if need be.”

Fans lash out at Jim France’s ambitious project

But the news of Jim France’s ambitions did not settle well among NASCAR enthusiasts after Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal shared the news on Twitter. Many wrote, “Jim France is nothing like Big Bill.”

While others also commented, “Where’s the road car relevance? What would BMW (for example) get from NASCAR that they couldn’t get from endurance racing.”

“I hate to break it to Jim but no European manufacture is going to go back 50 years and design a pushrod engine just to go race NASCAR. But ole GM & their Good Ole boy ways, loves them some pushrods. So at what point does NASCAR quit letting GM get everything on their terms?”

Well, it would be interesting to see if other OEMs decide to enter the world of NASCAR. Given their fame as manufacturers, it is to be seen how they adapt to stock car racing if they choose to compete. But for now, fans are only left to speculate.

Read More: Despite Turning His Back on Chevrolet After Massive Achievement, Jimmie Johnson Weighs on Historic Team’s Success