Clint Bowyer leads the Toyota Save Mart 350 at Sonoma in June 2012
Photo – Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
NASCAR is exploring its European potential as they look into the idea of racing across the Atlantic to grow interest in stock car racing overseas.
This story was first reported by Christian Sylt of Autoweek.
George Silberman, NASCAR’s vice president of regional and touring series, says interest of racing over seas is to build up interest in Europe as the sport continues to grow.
“NASCAR would consider future exhibition race opportunities in Europe as part of a broader strategy of promoting stock-car racing in a region and supporting existing efforts like our Euro Racecar NASCAR Touring Series, which is about to embark on its second season.”
NASCAR’s involvement in Euro Racing explains NASCAR’s interest of racing in Europe. Euro Racing was created in 2009 and has been influenced by NASCAR and its stock cars. Euro cars include V8 engines that are built by Chevrolet, Dodge and Ford. NASCAR became involved in Euro Racing last year and was designated as one of its sanctioning body’s official touring series.
Silberman has not specified the number of races NASCAR could consider or where in Europe the races would take place. NASCAR most likely would not make an official announcement about the sport’s interest in Europe until those details are decided.
NASCAR did make a trip to Europe in 1955, orginized by Bill France Sr., NASCAR’s co-founder. Stock cars were sent over to Europe and were called “White Ghosts”. The purpose was to spike interest in the sport, very similar to the idea of NASCAR’s possible return to Europe.
Nothing has been officially announced to this point, but the potential of NASCAR’s Sprint Cup series drivers going global is a realistic possibility. NASCAR’s Nationwide series has been racing in Canada for seven years and races have been successful with strong attendance. This could be great motivator as NASCAR explores its growth potential with racing in Europe.
Expanding NASCAR’s exposure in Europe, would be the first time for many new fans to see the Sprint Cup, or perhaps other series’ cars, in action overseas. More races for fans to watch would only further excite and expand the NASCAR community.