NASCAR\u2019s been trying to spread its wings beyond the U.S., planting regional series in places like Mexico, Brazil, Canada, and Europe to hook new fans and scout fresh talent. The big leap came in 2025 with a points-paying Cup Series race in Mexico City, the first outside the States in ages, while broadcasts now reach nearly 200 countries.<\/p>\n
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But going global isn\u2019t as simple as shipping cars overseas, and Commissioner Steve Phelps recently spilled some hard truths about why it\u2019s been a tougher ride than expected.<\/p>\n
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Phelps gets real on global challenges<\/p>\n
Speaking at a recent Axios Media Trends Live event<\/a>, Steve Phelps didn\u2019t sugarcoat it: taking NASCAR international is \u201ctricky\u201d because the sport\u2019s so deeply tied to \u201cAmericana.\u201d That red-white-and-blue vibe, think tailgates, country music, and Southern roots- doesn\u2019t always click in places where America\u2019s global rep raises eyebrows. Still, NASCAR\u2019s not backing off.<\/p>\n They\u2019ve got series humming in over 10 countries, from NASCAR Brasil to the Whelen Euro Series, all aimed at growing local drivers and fans. The Mexico City race in 2025 was a historic flex, proving NASCAR can pull off big events abroad.<\/p>\n ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Looking forward, Ben Kennedy, NASCAR\u2019s exec VP, says Canada and Mexico are on the radar for more races, with Mexico possibly back in 2027.<\/p>\n \u201cNASCAR continues to have international expansion plans, though it\u2019s \u2018tricky\u2019 right now to sell America overseas, commissioner Steve Phelps said at the Axios Media Trends Live event on Thursday.\u201d https:\/\/t.co\/6DZABehY5o<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Adam Stern (@A_S12) September 19, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n There\u2019s even talk of shifting the 2026 Clash to Brazil\u2019s shiny new Circuito dos Cristais track in Curvelo, where NASCAR\u2019s already building a fanbase. But here\u2019s the catch: getting there\u2019s a logistical nightmare. Hauling cars, crews, and gear across borders isn\u2019t cheap, and tracks need major upgrades to handle NASCAR\u2019s specs.<\/p>\n Phelps admitted these hurdles make global expansion a slog, despite the sport\u2019s big dreams. While NASCAR wrestles with its global image, Denny Hamlin<\/a> is dealing with a more immediate headache back home.<\/p>\n Hamlin\u2019s pit crew woes add to playoff pressure<\/p>\n His No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing team got slapped with suspensions for two key pit crew members, Joel B\u2019 Bouagnon and Austin Maloney, after a right front wheel came loose at Bristol\u2019s Night Race.<\/a> It\u2019s a safety violation NASCAR takes seriously to keep wheels from flying into the stands.<\/p>\n\n