feature-image

Imago

feature-image

Imago

Dreams of global expansion have been a part of NASCAR’s strategy for a few decades. From what the recent trends suggest, NASCAR seeks to garner fans, and the organization is applying every possible solution in its books. After the Chicago Street Race initiative and Garage 56 project for Le Mans, their next move is to the North.

Terrell Owens holding Dude Wipes XL

2012 Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski has let the cat out of the bag about the future plans as a sport. The closest option should be among their neighbors is what Keselowski suggests, as he speculates about Canada being a possible target for the Cup Series.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

ADVERTISEMENT

Brad Keselowski speaks about the prospects of a race in Canada

Canada is a relatively easier option for NASCAR to enact upon. With large similarities in racing culture and a fair amount of following for stock car racing, turnout shouldn’t be a problem. But that is not the only factor that can affect an event there. Just like in Chicago, there will have to be multiple adjustments that the host city will have to make.

On being asked about what Canada could possibly offer to the sport or vice-versa, Keselowski said, “There’s a big market for us there. We need to get to Canada and on an oval in Canada.

ADVERTISEMENT

“I think that particular market is underserved in terms of NASCAR fans. That would help us branch out somewhat internationally. In a manner, I think it controls costs for the owners in a respectful way.

ADVERTISEMENT

If NASCAR starts to conduct events outside The US, with an influx in fans, there will be a massive boost in viewership. With plans already in place, a NASCAR oval in Canada does not seem distant anymore. Keselowski has shown his preference for an oval track in Canada as well. On being asked about his special priority to ovals, Keselowski added, “I think the layup for us as a sport is to find these road courses in different countries, and that’s better than nothing, but it’s not, I think, the way I would prefer to show what NASCAR is capable of.”

Read More: Fans Call Out NASCAR CEO Jim France’s Questionable “Ultimate Goal” From Hendrick Motorsports-Led Project

ADVERTISEMENT

A major global expansion is on the cards for NASCAR

Reputed journalist Adam Stern recently disclosed the countries that could be potential destinations for the sport. The list presents options for potential but untapped revenue from a different market. Taking hints from sports like F1, which has successfully created a following all over the world, NASCAR will be looking to bank on their recent international success in France.

ADVERTISEMENT

“It’s unlikely that the Garage 56 entry would be enough to convince a new carmaker to join, but NASCAR feels the race showcased the international viability of its product. It’s also been working on international expansion plans, adding a new series in Brazil this year, talking with Montreal about adding a Cup race next year, and holding discussions with entities in the Middle East and India, among other developments,” reported Stern.

ADVERTISEMENT

If anything, the latest stint at the 24 hours of Le Mans proves that NASCAR is capable of showing up on the international stage. NASCAR will certainly be looking to capitalize on Garage 56’s success.

Watch This Story: 10 wildest, most bizarre on-track incidents you’ll ever see during a NASCAR race

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Ansuman Abhisek

853 Articles

Ansuman Abhisek is a NASCAR Writer at EssentiallySports. Even before he made his way into the world of motorsports, he had already made a name for himself in the sports journalism field by working as a writer for a few media houses. Now, having covered multiple Cup races live, he has often been the first to report on-track incidents and also provide his readers with an in-depth analysis of the same. His well-researched stories have been received well by both fans and NASCAR drivers, like Natalie Decker. After covering numerous top trending stories on Dale Earnhardt Jr, Tony Stewart, and Denny Hamlin, Ansuman has found his specialization. If you ask him, his favorite stories are the ones where he gets to talk about Dale Earnhardt Sr and his legendary tales.

Know more

Edited by

editor-image

Nischal Kandpal

ADVERTISEMENT