The 2025 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium delivered an electrifying throwback to NASCAR’s roots, but the event may have been just the beginning of a much larger vision. While fans reveled in the nostalgia of racing at “The Madhouse,” NASCAR is reportedly eyeing a bold new direction for its pre-season exhibition race—taking The clash international.
🌍 The Time is Right for International Expansion
With The Clash no longer tied to Daytona, NASCAR has used the event as a testing ground for unique venues, from the Los Angeles Coliseum to the historic Bowman Gray Stadium. Now, the sport is considering a leap beyond North America. According to Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern, NASCAR is seriously exploring the possibility of hosting the Clash overseas, with Brazil emerging as a potential destination for 2026.
🗣 Stern’s report:
“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.”
This move aligns with NASCAR’s growing presence in Brazil, Mexico, and Europe. In 2025, the Cup Series will host its first-ever points race outside the U.S. at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, marking a important milestone in the sport’s global ambitions.
🛞 NASCAR Has Been Here Before
NASCAR’s potential international expansion isn’t entirely uncharted territory. Between 1996 and 1998, the Cup Series held three exhibition races in Japan at Suzuka Circuit and twin Ring Motegi. These events featured victories from legends like Rusty Wallace and Mike skinner, with Jeff Gordon narrowly missing out on a win.
though, after these one-off events, NASCAR never returned to Japan or ventured overseas again—a missed opportunity the sport may now be eager to rectify.
🌟 Why an International Clash Makes Sense
✅ Low-risk, high-reward:
As a non-points event, The Clash is the ideal platform to test international venues without disrupting the championship calendar.
✅ NASCAR’s growing global audience:
The sport has seen a surge in popularity across Latin America and Europe, making regions like Brazil, the UK, and Australia prime candidates for hosting.✅ Motorsport’s global expansion is accelerating:
- Formula 1 has aggressively expanded, adding U.S. races in Miami and Las Vegas while growing its international footprint.
- IndyCar has previously raced in Brazil, Australia, and Japan.
Key Takeaways: The Future of The Clash
| aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| 2025 Venue | Bowman Gray Stadium, Winston-Salem, NC |
| Potential 2026 Venue | Brazil |
| Global Ambitions | First international points race in Mexico City in 2025 |
| Past Context | Previous international races in Japan (1996-1998) |
As NASCAR continues to explore new horizons, The Clash could become the sport’s global ambassador, bridging the gap between its storied past and an ambitious future.Will Brazil be the next stop on this journey? Only time will tell.
NASCAR’s Global Ambition: Can The Clash Go International?
As motorsports like MotoGP and the World Endurance Championship (WEC) continue to expand thier global footprint, NASCAR faces a critical decision: adapt to the trend or risk falling behind. With Mexico City set to host its first NASCAR Cup points race, the sport has already taken a bold step toward international expansion.but the question remains: Should The Clash, NASCAR’s iconic exhibition race, go global?
🧐 Challenges NASCAR Must Overcome
While the idea of hosting The Clash in destinations like Brazil, Canada, or Europe is thrilling, NASCAR must navigate significant logistical and cultural hurdles.
🚛 Transport & Logistics
NASCAR’s heavily modified stock cars require specialized infrastructure, raising the question: Are foreign tracks ready to accommodate them? Additionally, transporting over 30 cars, equipment, and crews across the Atlantic or Pacific presents a major logistical challenge.
🇺🇸 Maintaining NASCAR’s American Identity
For many fans, NASCAR is deeply rooted in American tradition. While international expansion offers business opportunities, some purists argue the sport should remain a U.S. staple. Can NASCAR strike a balance between American heritage and global ambition?
🏟 choosing the Right Venue
the choice of venue is another critical factor. Should NASCAR opt for a road course, like the one in Mexico City, or an oval, similar to the tracks used in the Brazilian Stock Car Series? Moreover, does the international market even have a short-track equivalent to iconic U.S. venues like Bowman Gray?
🚦 So, What’s Next?
With Mexico City marking NASCAR’s first major international foray, the sport’s global aspirations are clear. The recent partnership with Amazon Prime Video for streaming and efforts to enhance global branding suggest that international expansion is unavoidable. The question now is not if but when we’ll see The Clash in cities like São Paulo, London, or even Tokyo.
| Key Considerations for NASCAR’s International Expansion |
|————————————————————-|
| Logistics: Transporting cars and equipment across oceans |
| Identity: Balancing American tradition with global growth |
| Venues: choosing between road courses and ovals |
📢 Debate: should The Clash Go Global?
What’s your take? Should NASCAR push to host The Clash internationally, or should it remain a U.S.-centric event? Where would you like to see the next race? Share your thoughts below! 👇