As the NASCAR Cup Series prepares for its first race outside the United States since 1998, with an upcoming event in Mexico City, Kevin Harvick urges NASCAR caution on international expansion, voicing concerns about venturing too far before focusing on core markets. Harvick’s recent comments come amidst debates about NASCAR’s global ambitions and the potential challenges that await as the series heads south of the border.
Deliberating NASCAR’s Growing International Footprint
The conversation around NASCAR’s international future gained momentum during a recent episode of the Happy Hour podcast. Co-host Mamba Smith raised the idea that, with Mexico now on the calendar, NASCAR should consider additional stops in Australia or Brazil. Despite this enthusiasm for broader international exposure, Harvick expressed his reservations about making substantial leaps beyond North America, encouraging a more cautious approach.
“I think we need to be cautious about getting too far away before taking care of our own. Let’s just stay in North America for now,” Harvick said. —Kevin Harvick, former Cup Series driver
Harvick acknowledged a need for some international flavor and suggested that Canada would be a logical next step. He questioned the logistical obstacles to racing in Canada, particularly the difficulties teams face in sending trucks and haulers across the northern border. Harvick’s stance reflects a belief that NASCAR should solidify its presence closer to home before exploring further afield markets.
Pressure Builds for Daniel Suarez in His Native Mexico
The upcoming race will be a homecoming for Daniel Suarez, a driver for Trackhouse Racing, as he competes in front of a Mexican audience as a Cup Series competitor for the first time. Harvick highlighted the heightened expectation for Suarez, drawing on personal experiences from races abroad.
“When I went there and Adrien Fernandez was there I mean it was a whole country whistling screaming and he was this just rockstar that that was there racing. I would assume that’s maybe, not to that level for Suarez, but probably pretty high level of popularity in the city this week,” Harvick said. —Kevin Harvick, former Cup Series driver
Harvick believes the spotlight on Suarez will come with significant pressure to perform well in front of supportive hometown fans. Observers expect a surge in attention and enthusiasm in Mexico City, potentially creating both a boost and a challenge for the popular driver.
Challenges from Past Races in Mexico Come to Light
Reflecting further on NASCAR’s international forays, Harvick recounted his own difficult experiences while competing in Mexico. He shared a story from 2024 when, with Kevin Harvick Incorporated (KHI), his team faced problems moving their haulers across the border after an event. Bureaucratic obstacles forced them to engage in bribery to recover their equipment.
“We couldn’t get it across the Mexican border. So we had to bribe the UPS. We had to bribe UPS to get our truck back across the border because they were going to keep it. We had to pay them cash, the Mexican side of the UPS. They wouldn’t let the truck cross the border until a certain amount of money was handed,” Harvick recalled. —Kevin Harvick, former Cup Series driver
This account underscores one of the potential pitfalls of international expansion: logistical and regulatory challenges that teams and organizers might face in unfamiliar environments. Harvick’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for NASCAR as it considers its future beyond U.S. borders.
Implications for NASCAR’s Future Strategy
As NASCAR ventures to Mexico City and ignites conversations about possible races in other countries, the reactions from figures like Kevin Harvick signal a need for careful planning. While the promise of international growth attracts attention, the hurdles—ranging from the pressure on local stars like Daniel Suarez to complex border logistics—cannot be ignored. The outcome of the Mexico City event may shape whether the Cup Series extends its reach abroad or reinforces its commitment to engaging fans closer to home.
