The NASCAR Cup Series Europe expansion has become a hot topic among motorsport fans, as uncertainty continues to cloud any concrete moves by NASCAR to hold a premier event on the continent. While rival IndyCar appears to be making rapid progress toward growing its international schedule—especially in Europe—critics are increasingly vocal about NASCAR’s stalling efforts, particularly after a failed push to stage a race in Mexico City.
For decades, NASCAR and IndyCar have charted distinctly different courses in their approach to global visibility. IndyCar’s history of staging races beyond American borders contrasts sharply with NASCAR’s domestically anchored Cup Series. This difference became evident again in 2025 when, after planning to stage its first top-tier points event outside the U.S. since 1958 in Mexico City, NASCAR abandoned the effort due to conflicts with the 2026 World Cup and decided instead to bring racing back to the familiar Chicagoland venue. IndyCar, conversely, has not only maintained but grown its international ambitions, now looking at other overseas locations.
IndyCar’s Growing European Presence and its Implications
Under Roger Penske’s stewardship, IndyCar has expanded its reach into over 200 countries, leveraging television partners like Sky Sports, Ziggo Sport, and Viaplay for European coverage, and using INDYCAR LIVE streaming to reach new fans globally. The addition of the prominent European team PREMA Racing to the grid in 2025 underscored IndyCar’s willingness to directly engage with both European teams and fans. This combination of team diversity, global promotion, and media access has led to rising speculation that IndyCar could successfully stage an event on the continent, a topic that further highlights NASCAR’s wavering position on global expansion.
Much of the recent discussion centers on Circuit Zandvoort in the Netherlands, the long-time host of the Dutch Grand Prix until 2026. Facing financial concerns, Zandvoort has confirmed it is seeking replacement events when it departs from the Formula 1 schedule. Notably, the circuit’s general director, Robert van Overdijk, has named both IndyCar and NASCAR as possible alternatives. With IndyCar’s evident momentum and European involvement, it appears to be in a stronger position to seize the opportunity. Meanwhile, the NASCAR Cup Series, with its intense schedule and limited overseas experience, may find such a leap challenging.
Leadership Changes and Strategic Discord within NASCAR
The conversation around international ambitions comes at a pivotal moment for NASCAR, marked by the appointment of Steve Phelps as the sport’s first commissioner in 2025. Phelps has publicly identified international growth as a top priority. Yet, despite this stated objective, the series’ only recent attempt at global expansion was ultimately shelved. As IndyCar moves to connect with European teams and circuits, NASCAR fans have grown increasingly aware of the gap between stated ambitions and tangible progress, sparking fierce online debate and skepticism about NASCAR’s global aspirations.
Fan Opinions Highlight Major Skepticism
Across social platforms, particularly Reddit, fans have not held back their views on the mismatch between the two series’ global efforts, especially with regard to Zandvoort and the characteristics of European racing.
One commenter addressed a major challenge with humor:
NASCAR and Dutch weather, a match made in heaven.
—User
This sarcastic remark underscores concerns about the unpredictable, often rainy weather in the Netherlands, which contrasts with NASCAR’s preference for dry and predictable track conditions. Fans argue that such environmental factors make the circuit an awkward fit for stock car racing and add to skepticism regarding the feasibility of a successful NASCAR Cup Series event at Zandvoort.
Another user offered a perspective on why IndyCar feels like a more natural fit for Europe:
IndyCar makes way more sense considering how much of the field is European.
—User
Highlighting stars such as Alex Palou, Marcus Ericsson, and Romain Grosjean—who all boast European or Formula 1 backgrounds—the comment points out that IndyCar is more relatable for European audiences and could attract large crowds through these existing connections.
Some fans took a pragmatic angle, suggesting that NASCAR take a more cautious approach via its lesser-known European branch:
I could potentially see the NASCAR Euro Series trying some races there to test the waters on the appeal of the sport.
—User
This approach suggests using the NASCAR Euro Series as a pilot program to measure local interest before committing the main Cup Series to a challenging overseas venue, reflecting wariness about overstretching the brand.
Other forum participants delved into practical and economic obstacles facing any potential European Cup Series race. As one put it:
I have to wonder what’s NASCAR’s plan to operate internationally.
—User
The same commenter expanded on scheduling concerns:
NASCAR is a series that typically runs late Sunday night or Monday morning for most of the world, so viewership will always be fleeting… I don’t see anyway it is financially viable for any parties.
—User
These observations articulate the major difficulties tied to time zones, broadcast revenue, shipping logistics, and general brand unfamiliarity in Europe. The message is clear: a standalone Cup Series event in Europe would confront substantial commercial and operational barriers.
A different view addressed the technical demands of European tracks themselves, specifically doubting NASCAR’s suitability at Zandvoort:
Zandvoort? Not sure a stock car could even make a full lap around a track that tight.
—User
This blunt statement reflects core concerns about vehicle design and circuit fit. While NASCAR has produced entertaining road course races in the U.S., Zandvoort—with its narrow lanes and tight corners built for agile open-wheel cars—raises doubts about how competitive, or even feasible, a Cup Series event would be.
Can NASCAR Overcome its Expansion Hurdles?
The aggregate feedback from fans is best described as intrigued but deeply skeptical. While some appreciate the novelty of seeing NASCAR on prominent European circuits, the majority cite the layering of logistical, financial, cultural, and technical challenges as apparent roadblocks to success. Even with Steve Phelps’ stated commitment to strategic growth, NASCAR’s only concrete international step has already been retracted. Meanwhile, IndyCar’s consistent global outreach strategy, bolstered by integrating European teams and leveraging extensive broadcast partnerships, is drawing favorable comparisons and stirring questions about NASCAR’s competitiveness and forward planning.
The scrutiny also places a spotlight on key figures like Robert van Overdijk, whose statements about seeking “spectacle and value” in new racing partners have effectively thrown down a gauntlet for both NASCAR and IndyCar. With IndyCar riding a wave of European momentum and NASCAR stuck reassessing its path after the Mexico City setback, fans and industry observers wonder which series will ultimately own the overseas spotlight.
Looking ahead, the future of a NASCAR Cup Series Europe expansion appears highly uncertain. The controversy and online fervor suggest that if the Cup Series wants to succeed abroad, it will require not only ambition, but adaptation. Finding a balance between spectacle and sustainability remains NASCAR’s greatest challenge as global motorsport competition accelerates.
