Published 11/11/2022, 11:10 AM EST
As Formula One slowly creeps into the mainstream US Market, NASCAR is afraid that its dominance over its own home soil might be diminishing. Earlier NASCAR used to be skeptical to expand the sport beyond the shores, but now it seems like they would have to do so soon. Recently a journalist informed out NASCAR had been looking at venues outside the states. Soon Dale Jr joined the conversation to give his two cents.
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Journalist Adam Stern stated, “@NASCAR holding a Cup Series race outside the U.S. is now a when-not-if situation and the league is in active talks with a bunch of different venues, per Chad Seigler, NASCAR’s VP of international business. @CSeigler said there’s no timeline yet but he wouldn’t rule out ’24.“
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Soon enough Junior responded, “I like this, but if it’s not an oval (and my guess is it will be that or another LA coliseum creation) I’ll be less enthusiastic. One road course I think would be quite badass tho is Brands Hatch Indy Circuit. It’s a short road course that I think would provide some fireworks.“
NASCAR is threatened by Formula One Dominance
Ever since Formula One’s new owners took over, they have been aggressively pushing the sport into the United States. Next year, Formula One would see up to three races taking place on US soil.
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Nov 5, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Mercedes-AMG Petronas driver George Russell drives on the track during the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix Launch Party at Las Vegas Strip. Mandatory Credit: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports
With more and more young fans moving into F1, NASCAR is sure scared that they might need to look towards expanding their own sport to stay afloat. Back in the day when F1 tried to enter the states, there was not much traction. Mostly because fans were hooked on the golden age of NASCAR. But over the years, NASCAR has seen a dwindling interest across the fan base, with race venues almost running empty.
The sport is looking for ways to stay afloat. NASCAR recently tried to experiment with its version of F1-Drive to Survive. However, they only chose to broadcast it in the US. With Formula One’s edition of the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix, a large part of the demographic might not decide to return. Leading to even fewer ticket sales and lowered interest in the coming decades.
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WATCH THIS STORY: “This Is After His Dad Was Gone” – Dale Earnhardt Jr’s ‘Brain Damage’ Confession Was Not Enough to Stop Joe Rogan for Vouching for NASCAR in 2020
Many consider NASCAR to be a dying sport, that it has lost a chuck of what it was during its golden era. However, NASCAR might still have an opportunity to salvage itself and gain a new demographic of fans. Only if it markets itself properly and finally opens up itself to the world. Perhaps making it a global sporting format might save the sport from spiraling into an inevitable end.
“If It’s Not an Oval..” – Dale Earnhardt Jr Shares His Two Cents As NASCAR Prepares “Fireworks” Amid Growing F1 Dominance in the US
