Key facts
- NASCAR is considering US military bases in the UK as potential venues for future races.
- The organization is planning for a significant schedule change by 2032.
- NASCAR hired Adam Layton as senior vice president of NASCAR International.
- The sport is exploring opportunities in Mexico and Canada for international expansion.
- NASCAR is also examining venues in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East for potential races.
- The company is working with the Department of Defense to assess the feasibility of races on military installations.
NASCAR is considering using United States military bases in the UK as potential venues for future international races as part of a broader strategy for global expansion. The organization is working backward from a target of a significantly altered schedule by 2032, which aligns with the expiration of its current media rights agreement.
During a digital press conference, NASCAR COO Ben Kennedy and executive Julie Giese discussed the long-term scheduling approach. Kennedy indicated that while immediate international focus is on North America, including Mexico and Canada due to logistical simplicity, the organization is open to further overseas expansion. He mentioned potential locations like Brazil and Europe as examples.
NASCAR has already confirmed a return to the street course race at Naval Air Station North Island for a second consecutive season in 2027. The company has also begun exploring additional races on active military bases with the Department of Defense, aiming for a start date around 2028. Kennedy stated that NASCAR has provided the Department with a 'wish list' of potential locations, including the Pacific Northwest and the Heartland, while the Department has also suggested markets for exploration. Discussions are also underway regarding potential venues in the Middle East, such as Saudi Arabia's Jeddah street circuit and the Qiddiya Speed Park Track, as well as Canadian venues in Ontario and Quebec. European options like Circuit Zandvoort in the Netherlands and Germany's Lausitzring are also being examined, alongside potential Asian locations.
Adam Layton was recently hired as senior vice president of NASCAR International to spearhead these global ambitions. The move towards international venues is seen as a strategic shift to capture new sponsorship opportunities and expand the NASCAR brand globally, reflecting a broader trend in motorsport.