NASCAR may have to change its name to NAASCAR soon.
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing could be racing across North America as soon as next year.
NASCAR President Steve Phelps told Fox Sports ahead of the Daytona 500 that it’s likely there will be NASCAR races in Canada and Mexico in 2025.
“I would be surprised in our 2025 schedule if we didn’t go north of the border and we didn’t go south of the border,” Phelps said.
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NASCAR currently operates branded series in both countries, but he was talking about the U.S.-based NASCAR, although he didn’t clarify if he meant just the Cup Series or if the Xfinity Series or Truck Series would fit the bill.
The Truck Series ended a six-season run at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park near Ontario in 2019 and the predecessor of the Xfinity Series held races in Mexico City from 2005 through 2008.
Cars from the NASCAR Mexico series competed in an exhibition race ahead of the NASCAR Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, with Mexican Cup Series driver Daniel Suarez winning in his return to the series.
Phelps also said that NASCAR will return to Southern California next year, despite delays in building a new half-mile oval track at the site of the demolished Auto Club Speedway.
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He did not confirm if he was talking about another Clash at the Coliseum or an event held at a different venue.
“We’re not gonna miss a year,” Phelps said.
NASCAR has reportedly been unable to find a suitable permanent track in the market for a Cup Series race, but it is possible that a street race could be organized.
Phelps also addressed rumors that Honda is in talks to become a fourth automaker in the series. He said NASCAR is negotiations with a brand, but wouldn’t name it.
“I can’t confirm or deny that. It may be them, I don’t know.â€
He also said NASCAR is close to reaching a new charter agreement with the teams, the previous one having expired.
“We’re close,” he said.
“They’re interested in more money, we’re gonna give them more money. They’re interested in containing costs, we’re going to contain costs.”
The value of a charter is reportedly $50 million following the reported $40 million purchase of one by Spire Motorsports last year.