
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 8, 2023; Concord, North Carolina, USA; Cars crowd into turn four after a restart during the Bank of America Roval 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Oct 8, 2023; Concord, North Carolina, USA; Cars crowd into turn four after a restart during the Bank of America Roval 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
“Win on Sunday. Sell on Monday.” That’s what NASCAR has been about for a long time. It’s a formula that works for its fanbase, one largely based in America. However, as Jeff Gordon brought NASCAR to an international audience at his peak, the love for the premier stock-racing league grew, and Kenny Wallace has a theory.
Recently, NASCAR insider and veteran Kenny Wallace shared his stance about why this is a great opportunity and the real reason behind NASCAR’s probable success in the European market.
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NASCAR might reach the pinnacle of success in Europe due to the European mindset
In collaboration with Team FJ, NASCAR is all set to welcome an era of high-paced racing in Europe in 2025. While the American branch of the race takes most of the prime spotlight, it is anticipated that the revamped structure will be a treat to all NASCAR fans. One of the primary reasons such measures exist. It’s simply to ensure that the Euro Series becomes an integral part of the sport and a touring event just like its American counterpart. Despite its nascent stage, the Euro Series is gaining quite a bit of traction in the European market.
Why so? Well, NASCAR favorite Kenny Wallace has an interesting perspective. He explained, “The reason is simple—people in places like Australia and Europe think American racing is badass. They love what NASCAR represents. Sometimes it seems like people here don’t appreciate it as much, but abroad, there’s genuine excitement and admiration. Over in Europe, NASCAR is seen as thrilling and unique, just as we admire Formula 1 from this side of the world.” NASCAR as a sport is older than Formula 1 and given an edge it allows the drivers, it adds to the adrenaline rush for viewers too. Moreover, European motorsports usually focus largely on open-wheeled racing, with other racing series similar to Formula 1. Even the biggest competition that is similar to stock-car racing, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, is more of an endurance race than one of pure speed.
“It’s worth remembering that millions of people in Europe tune in to watch races. They love fast cars, which is why places like Germany’s Autobahn have no speed limit. They’re passionate about racing and respect American cars and drivers.” Simply put, there’s nothing like the high-speed rush of NASCAR in Europe. Drivers such as Kimi Raikkonen made the switch looking for a different racing experience over the decades, but there has been no regular connection between the sports. Now that F1 races on three tracks in America, it might be time for NASCAR to expand its European options. After all, Rick Hendrick did bring his team over to France for Le Mans.

via Imago
24 HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS USA CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1 – INNOVATIVE CAR – JIMMIE JOHNSON USA MIKE ROCKENFELLER DEU JENSON BUTTON GBR DURING THE 91st 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, CENTENARY EDITION, 4TH ROUND OF THE 2023 FIA WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP FIA WEC, COLLECTIVE CAR SHOOT, CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES DU MANS, LE MANS FRA, JUNE 06 2023 AUTOMOBILE : 24 Heures du Mans – FIA WEC – Championnats du monde d Endurance – 06/06/2023 MPSAgency/Panoramic PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRAxITAxBEL
A very important part of this program will entail connecting European talents with American prodigies and creating a pipeline that will recognize and boost the drivers toward further development. Conversely, there is no doubt that the European market simply loves NASCAR and the racing experience it offers to the viewers. NASCAR’s Vice President and Chief International Officer Chad Seigler was quite hopeful of the possibilities that this venture brings in. He said, “As we continue to expand internationally, we’re excited to strengthen our presence in Europe. The launch of this new era means new opportunities and excitement for participants and partners who will join us starting in 2025”.
The NASCAR Euro Series is all set to hit the European tracks in 2025 and at the moment, seven events are planned. The first race for the series kicks off in April at Valencia, Spain. The series will, however, end at the Circuit Zolder in Belgium in October. With its unique blend of high-octane action and strategic collaboration, NASCAR’s foray into Europe promises to not only elevate the sport’s global appeal but also cement its position as a thrilling motorsport phenomenon across continents.
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Is NASCAR's European expansion the boost it needs, or should it focus on fixing home issues first?
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Meanwhile, Kenny Wallace finds a different problem plaguing NASCAR fans in America.
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Kenny Wallace takes on the “greed” showcased by Diecast Industry
Kenny Wallace has always stayed true to his NASCAR roots. Every time things seemed to go haywire for the industry, he was the first to lend a helping hand. Recently, a round of criticism had taken over the online world as claims that NASCAR as a sport is on its deathbed began circulating. This came as a notion after some die casts were seen left unsold in stores even after the stellar Black Friday Sale. These die casts and souvenirs make up one of the ways the community assesses the success of the sport
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Wallace mentioned that it is the greed and over-estimation of the souvenir companies that has led to higher production of the souvenirs in contrast to demand. The unsold dicasts were a result of a miscalculated demand-supply chain instead of NASCAR’s fall. This mass production of souvenirs has also led to a further decline in the valuation of the souvenirs and even lesser turnover. He explained, “NASCAR souvenirs and die casts, that business went to hell in a handbasket, and here’s why, because they lied to you. What they did was they make a Dale Earnhardt die-cast […] they say this is only one of 10,000. Well, what would happen to them souvenir companies? They’d get greedy and then make more”.
Wallace’s critique highlights how unchecked greed and poor market strategies have undermined the die-cast industry’s credibility, impacting both collectors and fans. His call for transparency and smarter production practices serves as a reminder that sustainable success lies in valuing the community over profit.
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Is NASCAR's European expansion the boost it needs, or should it focus on fixing home issues first?