NASCAR’s been trying to spread its wings beyond the U.S., planting regional series in places like Mexico, Brazil, Canada, and Europe to hook new fans and scout fresh talent. The big leap came in 2025 with a points-paying Cup Series race in Mexico City, the first outside the States in ages, while broadcasts now reach nearly 200 countries.

But going global isn’t as simple as shipping cars overseas, and Commissioner Steve Phelps recently spilled some hard truths about why it’s been a tougher ride than expected.

Phelps gets real on global challenges

Speaking at a recent Axios Media Trends Live event, Steve Phelps didn’t sugarcoat it: taking NASCAR international is “tricky” because the sport’s so deeply tied to “Americana.” That red-white-and-blue vibe, think tailgates, country music, and Southern roots- doesn’t always click in places where America’s global rep raises eyebrows. Still, NASCAR’s not backing off.

They’ve got series humming in over 10 countries, from NASCAR Brasil to the Whelen Euro Series, all aimed at growing local drivers and fans. The Mexico City race in 2025 was a historic flex, proving NASCAR can pull off big events abroad.

Looking forward, Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s exec VP, says Canada and Mexico are on the radar for more races, with Mexico possibly back in 2027.

There’s even talk of shifting the 2026 Clash to Brazil’s shiny new Circuito dos Cristais track in Curvelo, where NASCAR’s already building a fanbase. But here’s the catch: getting there’s a logistical nightmare. Hauling cars, crews, and gear across borders isn’t cheap, and tracks need major upgrades to handle NASCAR’s specs.

Phelps admitted these hurdles make global expansion a slog, despite the sport’s big dreams. While NASCAR wrestles with its global image, Denny Hamlin is dealing with a more immediate headache back home.

Hamlin’s pit crew woes add to playoff pressure

His No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing team got slapped with suspensions for two key pit crew members, Joel B’ Bouagnon and Austin Maloney, after a right front wheel came loose at Bristol’s Night Race. It’s a safety violation NASCAR takes seriously to keep wheels from flying into the stands.

Instead of serving the penalty at New Hampshire’s Round of 12 opener, Hamlin’s team deferred it to Kansas and the Charlotte ROVAL, a strategic move allowed by NASCAR to avoid wasting time on appeals.

The deferral’s a calculated bet. New Hampshire’s a strong track for Hamlin, where he’s won three times, so keeping the full crew could lock in a win or big points to cushion the playoff push. The ROVAL, a road course, is Hamlin’s weakest link, so missing crew members there hurts less.

Just like Phelps navigating NASCAR’s international image, Hamlin is playing the long game, balancing penalties with playoff survival to keep his championship hopes alive.