NASCAR International

Earlier this month, the world had its eyes opened to NASCAR at the 24-Hour Le Mans. Since the 24-Hour Le Mans, there has been a lot of conversation about NASCAR competing around the globe. As one might imagine, there is a percentage of the fan base that likes the idea, and there is a percentage of the fan base that does not like the idea.

Competing in the 24-Hour Le Mans was a good move for NASCAR. That weekend, I saw a tweet from a European individual who was surprised that the NASCAR pit crews were not “a bunch of fat Ricky Bobby’s.” Europeans found out NASCAR was a lot more sophisticated than they had previously imagined. As a result of NASCAR’s participation in the event, international interest in the sport has increased significantly.

There is not another sport on this planet that is more American than NASCAR, but I think that is drawing Europeans to the sport. Say what you will about our politics and the state that our country is currently in, but it is undeniable America is still the most badass country on the face of the planet. We not only exemplify this at the world stage politically, but it’s a 24-Hour Le Mans, we easily had the most badass car on the track.

Personally, I would love to see NASCAR post a few races globally for a few reasons. First off, it brings more global attention to the sport. More attention means more investment from sponsors. More investment from sponsors means more money put toward producing the most badass cars in the world.

Second, it is just as entertaining to follow the reactions from Europeans as it is to watch the race. They are so used to their boujee cars and their quiet engines that a little bit of Sunoco fuel and busted eardrums might do them some good. Maybe we can raise the average testosterone levels in your average Frenchman.

Last but most certainly not least, global competition reminds the world that this is freaking America. It reminds people why we are the most badass country in the world. It reminds the Europeans who their Daddy is.

I sincerely believe that four or five races overseas would be really good for NASCAR. As the world becomes smaller each and every day, it’s time we begin tapping into new markets. There’s a lot of money to be made out there, so why not make it and bring the bag back home to America?

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