NASCAR Cup Series drivers would support a return to Montreal
NASCAR drivers are willing to update their passports and cross into a different country if it means a trip to Montreal. The thought of heading to Canada is one that appeals to many.
Recently, Sports Business Journal reported that NASCAR was toying with the idea of returning to race in Montreal, potentially in 2024. The league is looking for a potential run at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for a Cup Series race.
“We should have never left and it should always have been a Cup race,” veteran Kevin Harvick said, per CatchFence.com. “It’s a great atmosphere. It’s a great racetrack.
“And I think for us, we have a lot of Canadian race fans. It’s just a place we need to be.”
NASCAR held Xfinity Series races in Montreal from 2007 through 2012. The Cup Series has run just one race in Canada, that coming in Toronto in 1958.
It would be an opportunity to grow the sport to a larger audience. Brad Keselowski says that would be beneficial for NASCAR.
“I think an international race is not a bad thing for us,” he said. “And if we’re going to do an international race, Canada makes perfect sense. We have so many terrific fans up there. I remember going to Montreal, one or two years–it might have been three years–and the embrace that we got from the fans there was really, really strong. A great community. I hope we can put it together.
“I’m concerned that we keep adding road courses. I would hope that if we do it, that it’s in exchange for another road course. I guess time will tell, but overall, getting a race in Canada for the Cup Series should be, in my mind, a high priority solely because of our fans and their passion for NASCAR in Canada.”
NASCAR Cup Series managing director wants to race in Canada
Drivers aren’t alone in their desire to head to Canada for a Cup Series race. NASCAR Cup Series managing director, Brad Moran, also believes it would be a great spot for the league.
“It’s exciting,” Moran said of potentially racing in Montreal. “We have great Canadian race fans. Obviously, I’ve been to Montreal many times. It’s a great facility. People in Quebec love their NASCAR—all of Canada, not just Quebec. But they love NASCAR.
“If that was to ever happen, especially with the Cup Series, obviously it’s been a long time since they were at the CNE, but it would be special. I know they would embrace it. If it ever happens, it would be a great thing.”
Nothing has been set in stone, but it sounds like NASCAR is working hard to make a trip to Canada happen.