Chase Elliott Embraces NASCAR’s Global Expansion Mexico City and Beyond
For the first time in 28 years, NASCAR is stepping beyond U.S. borders, making history with its upcoming race in Mexico City. While this event is already generating excitement among fans, it holds even deeper meaning for some of the sport’s biggest stars.
One of the most vocal supporters of this international expansion is none other than Chase Elliott, the most popular driver in NASCAR. However, Elliott isn’t just thinking about this one event—he sees Mexico City as a crucial first step toward something much bigger for the sport.
“I’m not necessarily as excited for the Mexico City race itself as I am for what this could potentially lead to—getting out of the country more and expanding globally,” Elliott said, sharing his long-term vision.
Mexico City: A Gateway to NASCAR’s Future
NASCAR’s decision to hold a race in Mexico City isn’t just about expanding its fanbase—it’s about testing the waters for larger international opportunities.
“I think it would really be something special if we ever got overseas to race. I would love to be a part of that,” Elliott added.
This sentiment reflects the ambitions of many within NASCAR who believe the sport has tremendous potential beyond North America. The stock car racing series has long been a dominant force in the United States, but its international presence has been limited compared to other motorsports like Formula 1 or MotoGP.
While logistical challenges have made overseas expansion difficult, Elliott sees Mexico City as a strategic move—a way for NASCAR to prove that international racing is viable. If the event succeeds, it could pave the way for NASCAR races in Europe, Asia, or even the Middle East.
A Look Back: NASCAR’s History of Racing Overseas
This isn’t the first time NASCAR has ventured beyond U.S. borders.
The last time NASCAR raced internationally was in 1998, when the sport held an exhibition race at Twin Ring Motegi in Japan. That race, which saw Mike Skinner take the checkered flag, was part of an attempt to introduce NASCAR to a new audience.
Before that, NASCAR had a brief presence in Canada and Mexico, hosting Busch Series (now Xfinity Series) races in those regions. However, these races never led to long-term international expansion.
This time, things could be different.
With the sport’s growing popularity worldwide, particularly in Latin America and Europe, NASCAR’s leadership understands that the timing is right to bring the sport to a global audience. The Mexico City race could serve as a stepping stone to more races outside the United States, something that could define NASCAR’s future growth strategy.
Chase Elliott Returns to His Roots at Atlanta Motor Speedway
While Elliott is excited about NASCAR’s future on the international stage, he remains focused on the present—and that means preparing for a high-stakes weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
For Elliott, Atlanta isn’t just another track—it’s home.
“Racing here feels a little different than anywhere else,” the 29-year-old said, emphasizing the emotional connection he has with the venue.
Atlanta Motor Speedway is where Elliott’s journey in racing truly began. Growing up in Dawsonville, Georgia, he spent years watching his father, NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, race in front of their home crowd. That history makes every lap Elliott runs in Atlanta feel special.
His 2022 victory at the track was a career-defining moment, and as he gears up for another intense battle this weekend, he hopes to recreate that magic.
The Global Vision: NASCAR’s Expansion Beyond North America
While Mexico City is an important first step, NASCAR’s long-term ambitions likely extend far beyond just Latin America. If this race proves successful, it could serve as the perfect case study to justify further expansion into Europe, Asia, or even the Middle East.
Many major motorsports, such as Formula 1, MotoGP, and World Endurance Championship (WEC), have long-established global calendars, racing in locations like Monaco, Suzuka, and Abu Dhabi. NASCAR, despite its enormous popularity in the U.S., has remained largely domestic. However, in an era where sports are more interconnected than ever, the push to become an international brand is stronger than ever.
“I think it’s important for us to explore different markets and introduce new fans to NASCAR,” Elliott said. “We have a great product, and I believe it could work on a global level.”
The challenge, of course, lies in the logistics. Unlike Formula 1 cars, which are designed for a wide variety of road courses, NASCAR’s stock cars are significantly heavier and optimized for oval racing. This means that selecting the right venues outside the U.S. will be critical.
Which Countries Could Host NASCAR in the Future?
If NASCAR does commit to global expansion, a few destinations immediately stand out as potential race hosts:
- United Kingdom (Silverstone or Brands Hatch): With a strong motorsports culture and a deep appreciation for stock car-style racing, the UK could be an ideal host for a future NASCAR event.
- Germany (Hockenheim or Nürburgring GP Circuit): Germany’s passion for racing, along with its love for high-horsepower vehicles, makes it another strong contender.
- Japan (Twin Ring Motegi or Fuji Speedway): NASCAR already has history in Japan, and a return could be met with enthusiastic support from local fans.
- United Arab Emirates (Dubai Autodrome or Yas Marina Circuit): Given the Middle East’s growing investment in motorsports, a NASCAR race in Dubai or Abu Dhabi could bring a new audience to the sport.
- Australia (Mount Panorama Circuit – Bathurst): The Australian Supercars Series shares many similarities with NASCAR, making it an exciting possibility for a crossover event.
If NASCAR successfully expands beyond Mexico, these locations could be next in line for groundbreaking international races.
Chase Elliott: The Face of NASCAR’s Future?
As NASCAR continues evolving, it will need drivers who can act as global ambassadors for the sport. Chase Elliott, with his huge fan following, clean-cut image, and racing pedigree, is arguably one of the best candidates for this role.
His willingness to embrace change and push for global opportunities shows that he understands where the sport is heading. While some traditionalists may resist NASCAR’s international expansion, Elliott’s perspective represents the future of the sport.
“We have to think big,” Elliott emphasized. “The world is watching, and NASCAR has the potential to be bigger than ever.”
With this bold new direction, NASCAR is on the verge of entering a new era—one where the checkered flag isn’t just waved in the United States, but around the world.
Atlanta Motor Speedway: A Controversial But Thrilling Circuit
Atlanta Motor Speedway has undergone significant changes in recent years, transforming from a traditional 1.5-mile oval into a superspeedway-style track.
This change has sparked mixed reactions. Some drivers embrace the new format, which creates high-speed pack racing, while others believe Atlanta has lost its identity.
Regardless of the debate, one thing is clear—Atlanta now produces must-watch races.
Last year’s thrilling three-wide finish between Daniel Suárez, Kyle Busch, and Ryan Blaney proved that the track reconfiguration has added a new level of excitement to the sport. Fans are expecting more of the same this weekend.
