NASCAR reportedly in discussions to bring Cup Series race back to Montreal
This is a new and exciting era in NASCAR as the sport continues to reach out to new audiences, including a potential trip to the Great White North. Canada has a NASCAR series, the Pinty Series. With previous Xfinity Series history in the country as well, NASCAR is looking to bring a race to Montreal once again.
Earlier this year Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal talked with Steve O’Donnell COO of NASCAR. In that conversation, it was revealed that the stock car racing organization wanted to reach out to new audiences, and countries. That included ideas for Mexico and Canada.
However, now SBJ has learned that Montreal is the likely destination. Between 2007-2012, the Xfinity Series raced at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Justin Allgaier was the last driver to win a NASCAR race at the track. There is a chance that as soon as next season, NASCAR could be headed back.
This is just one of potentially a number of changes to the 2024 NASCAR schedule.
Of course, F1 races on Circuit Gilles Villeneuve and will be there for the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix. NASCAR sees an opportunity to expand and they are going to try to take it. When asked for comment by Stern, neither the track nor NASCAR responded for comment. But it is an option that fans should keep an eye on.
NASCAR reaches out internationally
No matter which way you cut it, NASCAR needs to reach new audiences. There was a time when they were fine with sticking to their “typical” fanbase. However, that has led o an older demographic over the years and not much else o lean on for the future. Make no mistake, schedule changes and international races are a way to gain new fans.
It isn’t just hypothetical race destinations, either. Look at what NASCAR has been doing this year with the Next Gen car. Taking a team to Le Mans and actually impressing many of the fans and other teams in France.
Individual teams have been doing a great job of bringing an international aspect to the sport. With road course aces such as Kamui Kobayashi coming into the fold with 23XI Racing. Shane van Gisbergen is coming up to the States to race in the Chicago Street Race for Trackhouse. They’ve put some serious talent in that No. 91 car.
There is a lot of interest from foreign drivers to compete in NASCAR. Now, it is time for NASCAR to bring the product to the fans in Canada, maybe Mexico, or even the Middle East.