Report: NASCAR Clash could move to Brazil beginning in 2026

This year the NASCAR Clash is at Bowman Gray Stadium. Next season, it could be in Brazil as the sport explores overseas options. Drivers like Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott are talking about it already, and now a new report sheds more light on the story.

NASCAR has discovered something with the Clash. They can pretty much take the circus that is the Cup Series wherever they want. Stadiums, old race tracks, new tracks, road courses – there isn’t really a limit at this point.

Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal is reporting that there is momentum towards taking the Clash international. And that would be a spot “possibly” in Brazil.

“[NASCAR] is using its season-opening Clash exhibition this year to go back to a classic venue that the Cup Series hasn’t run at since 1971 in Bowman Gray Stadium, but next year the event could be held overseas, possibly Brazil, as the racing property also looks to grow globally,” Stern wrote.

.@NASCAR is using its season-opening Clash exhibition this year to go back to a classic venue that the Cup Series hasn't run at since 1971 in Bowman Gray Stadium, but next year the event could be held overseas, possibly Brazil, as the racing property also looks to grow globally. pic.twitter.com/1wwe3TVQTq

— Adam Stern (@A_S12) February 2, 2025

NASCAR has a series in Brazil. It is a sprint series focused on road course racing. Daniel Suárez competed in the series last year during the Olympic break for the Cup Series. He was able to win a race during his time there.

Racing in Brazil is a big deal. They have had a number of fantastic wheelmen from the country over the years. Nelson Piquet and Helio Castroneves may be the best examples. NASCAR is starting to grow in the country with the assistance of the Brazil series.

NASCAR Clash could go international, Chase Elliott wants it to

Chase Elliott was in agreement with Ryan Blaney on the Clash. He believes the NASCAR Clash can go somewhere outside of the United States. Where exactly? Well, he’ll leave that up to NASCAR.

“I kind of like Ryan’s thought of potentially getting outside of the United States,” Chase Elliott explained. “I know we’re kind of testing the waters a little bit with the Mexico City thing this year, but I think the real test would be going overseas. And this race would be a good opportunity to do something like that that wouldn’t be, you know, committing to a points race somewhere like, a long ways away.

“So, I like the idea of using it as a potential stepping stone to help grow the sport. And I almost feel like if we’re not going to do that I’m not even sure that it’s totally necessary, either. I think it’s a good opportunity to shake things down and kind of get in the groove but we just ran a month and a half ago, it wasn’t that long ago, either. So, I think for me, I’m not saying one way or the other I think everything’s on the table and I’d be good either way. Whether it’s here, Daytona, if they want to do it in Europe, if they want to not do it at all, I’d be fine with any of the above.”