Chase Briscoe made a bold appearance on WWE Raw, just after winning a key race. It was more than a celebration—it showed part of NASCAR’s new plan. At the same time, Kevin Harvick went mostly unnoticed at a major NFL game, and Kyle Larson had a quiet moment at WrestleMania 41. These events reveal a deeper shift within the sport. Something is changing behind the scenes, and the focus seems to be moving in a new direction.
- Chase Briscoe’s appearance on WWE Raw exemplifies NASCAR’s strategy to elevate underdog drivers and increase media engagement.
- Briscoe’s success contrasts with Kevin Harvick’s overlooked attendance at a Carolina Panthers game, highlighting NASCAR’s promotional challenges.
- Kyle Larson went unnoticed at WrestleMania 41, missing a chance for NASCAR to gain broader visibility through celebrity association.
- The Driver Ambassador Program incentivizes media engagement, showcasing Briscoe’s potential benefits in spotlighting lesser-known talents.
- NASCAR faces struggles in gaining mainstream recognition for its stars, as seen with Harvick and Larson’s recent experiences.
NASCAR’s Struggle for Nationwide Relevance
Although NASCAR has been a staple in the southern United States for decades, its quest to capture the attention of a nationwide audience remains an ongoing challenge. With deep roots in regions like North Carolina, Virginia, and northern Florida, nearly half of its fan base resides in these areas.
However, NASCAR aims to transcend its ‘Southern-only’ image, seeking cultural significance across the U.S. by staging races in major markets and leveraging celebrity moments to broaden appeal.
The sport’s efforts have seen mixed results. While appearances at mainstream events such as NFL games and WrestleMania have been orchestrated, NASCAR’s most recognized personalities often fail to gain traction on the national stage.
This recurring issue highlights the complexity of expanding NASCAR’s appeal beyond its traditional fan base. The sport’s struggle lies in balancing its rich heritage with the need to connect with a more diverse and widespread audience, ensuring relevance in America’s varied cultural landscape.
Kevin Harvick’s Snub at the Carolina Panthers Game
At a recent Carolina Panthers game, Kevin Harvick, a well-known NASCAR champion, found himself in an unexpected situation.
Accompanying his son, Keelan, Harvick watched as Panthers safety Sam Franklin Jr. shared a handshake with Keelan, a heartwarming moment captured in a photograph.
However, the NFL’s social media account merely emphasized the handshake, overlooking Harvick’s presence in the background. This oversight sparked disappointment among NASCAR fans, who believe that legends like Harvick deserve acknowledgment at mainstream events.
Harvick, a 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion with over 60 career wins, has made noteworthy contributions to the sport.
Such contributions often warrant recognition beyond the NASCAR community. The incident at the Panthers game highlights a broader issue: the struggle for NASCAR icons to receive due credit in diverse settings.
Fans expressed their discontent, hoping for greater appreciation of NASCAR’s prominent figures at events like these.
Kyle Larson’s WrestleMania 41 Experience
How is it that a distinguished NASCAR champion like Kyle Larson could attend an event as grand as WrestleMania 41 and still remain unnoticed by the WWE?
Despite being the 2021 Cup Series champion, Larson’s presence at WrestleMania 41 seemed to slip under the radar. While he did have the opportunity to go backstage and meet Logan Paul, his association with Prime Hydration’s sponsorship, there was a conspicuous lack of acknowledgment from WWE itself.
Larson’s visit to WrestleMania, which should have been a notable crossover moment, highlights the challenges NASCAR faces in bringing its stars to a broader audience.
Even with his plans to speak on Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast following his Bristol Cup Series victory, Larson’s achievements in NASCAR did not translate to recognition in the wrestling world.
The Rise of Underdogs and NASCAR’s Marketing Strategy
The world of NASCAR is witnessing a tactical shift as the sport seeks to elevate its underdog drivers, like Chase Briscoe, into the spotlight.
With his playoff spot secured by winning the final race of the 2024 regular season at Darlington, Briscoe exemplifies NASCAR’s strategy to improve the visibility of lesser-known talents.
Though his popularity doesn’t yet match that of seasoned racers like Kevin Harvick or Kyle Larson, Briscoe’s appearance on WWE Raw in Las Vegas highlights NASCAR’s bold marketing move.
Chase Briscoe will be at WWE Raw in Las Vegas tonight (begins at the top of the hour). Briscoe is promoting the second season of NASCAR: Full Speed. I’ve been told to look for him behind the announcer’s desk.
— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) April 21, 2025
NASCAR’s Driver Ambassador Program (DAP) further emphasizes this strategy. By incentivizing drivers to engage in media appearances, the program rewards top performers financially.
NASCAR’s International Expansion and Domestic Challenges
As NASCAR sets its sights on global expansion, the organization faces the challenge of maintaining its domestic fan base while seeking new opportunities abroad.
The planned international Cup Series race in Mexico City in 2025 represents a tactical move to capture new global audiences, similar to Formula 1’s success in the U.S. However, this ambition coincides with a notable drop in domestic viewership, from 5.8 million in 2013 to 2.83 million in 2024.
To address this, NASCAR has secured a $7.7 billion media rights deal, integrating streaming platforms like Amazon Prime to attract younger audiences.
While international expansion offers growth potential, it risks alienating traditional fans concerned about historic tracks’ neglect. Balancing innovation and tradition is vital for NASCAR’s sustainability.
- International Cup Series race planned in Mexico City
- Domestic viewership decline to 2.83 million in 2024
- $7.7 billion media rights deal including streaming platforms
- Concerns about neglecting historic tracks
News in Brief: Chase Briscoe WWE Appearance
NASCAR faces challenges in enhancing its appeal nationwide, as seen with Kevin Harvick’s overlooked presence at a major NFL game and Kyle Larson’s low-key WrestleMania 41 appearance. While Chase Briscoe’s WWE moment highlights opportunities for individual drivers, NASCAR’s marketing strategy must emphasize both rising stars and established names. As the sport seeks international growth, addressing domestic hurdles remains essential. Balancing global ambitions with local engagement could determine NASCAR’s future success and relevance in the competitive sports landscape.
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