Navigating NASCAR Global Expansion: NASCAR’s trajectory is under scrutiny despite its rich 75-year history. Efforts, such as the Chicago race, Project91, and Garage56 Project, aim to extend its legacy globally. Yet, these moves may be a race against time.
The Joe Pomp Show podcast recently delved into NASCAR challenges. Entrepreneur Joe Pompliano highlighted the pressing need for globalization to address the sport’s decline.
The issue of star power isn’t new; each generation sees retiring icons and emerging stars. The departure of legends like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, and Tony Stewart in the late 2010s highlighted NASCAR’s challenge. In 2018, John Saunders of International Speedway Corp. acknowledged the ongoing struggle: “We still have an issue with star power.”
However, younger drivers haven’t captured the limelight as their predecessors did. Pompliano suggests NASCAR’s solution lies in going global. He emphasized that younger fans seek individual idols over teams or leagues, citing social media trends and comparing retired drivers’ following with current stars like Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney.
Pompliano drew parallels with Formula 1, emphasizing its global appeal and the individual drivers’ popularity. He suggested this global reach explains why sports like NFL and NBA thrive while NASCAR faces setbacks.
Disagreeing with Pompliano’s focus on individuals, NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon advocates for team-centric support. He stresses the importance of fans backing teams rather than just drivers, aiming to maintain fan engagement post-driver retirement.
Gordon clarified that team allegiance shouldn’t diminish driver stardom. He believes aligning team branding with driver fandom could fortify the sport.
While Gordon’s viewpoint has merit, NASCAR could benefit from both team and individual storylines on a global stage. Finding equilibrium remains elusive, yet the consensus on globalizing the sport is unwavering. The future outcome of this effort will significantly impact NASCAR’s popularity.
Also read: NASCAR Global Expansion Strategy: Paving the Way for International Series
Our Reader’s Queries
What has NASCAR done to expand globally?
NASCAR has expanded its reach beyond North America with international series in Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. The second-tier Xfinity Series has already held full-points races in Canada and Mexico, but NASCAR believes that any of its events could thrive internationally. The organization is committed to bringing the NASCAR experience to fans around the world. “We want to bring that experience outside of North America as well,” said O’Donnell. With a growing global fan base, NASCAR is poised to continue its international expansion and bring the excitement of racing to new audiences.
Will NASCAR go international?
NASCAR has its sights set on expanding its regional series beyond Mexico, Brazil, and Europe. While negotiations for a second Cup Series race in Canada fell through for 2024, the organization is exploring other international options for 2025. Stay tuned for updates on NASCAR’s global expansion plans.
Is NASCAR done with Road America?
Even without NASCAR, Road America is set to have a jam-packed schedule in 2024. Fans can look forward to the NTT INDYCAR Series, SCCA June Sprints, MotoAmerica Superbikes, IMSA SportsCar Weekend, and a variety of vintage races. With so much excitement on the horizon, there’s no doubt that Road America will continue to be a premier destination for motorsports enthusiasts.
What are the ratings for the 2023 Nascar series?
This season’s races, which were eligible for points, had an average viewership of 2.86 million, marking a 5% decline from the previous year.