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Next to football and baseball, there are few sports, if any, that are considered more “American” than NASCAR.
So you can imagine the shock from fans on Tuesday when a report came out stating that the series is linked to a potential race in Saudi Arabia at some point before the end of the decade.
Yes, NASCAR has hosted points races in Canada and will do so in Mexico in 2025. But Saudi Arabia is a far different situation.
Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal reports that the series has been linked to the Qiddiya Speed Park, a new track set to open in 2027 that will also host Formula 1 and Moto GP races.
NASCAR Linked To Race At New Saudi Arabia Track Set To Open In 2027
“NASCAR was listed Monday as being in talks to bring a race to the planned Qiddiya mega resort in Saudi Arabia toward the end of this decade, but it’s not yet commenting on the potential,” Stern writes. “The Middle Eastern kingdom is spending tens of billions of dollars to construct the sports and entertainment hub 40 miles southwest of Riyadh, and it is said to have an agreement in place with F1 to eventually shift the race currently held in Jeddah to the Qiddiya Speed Park Track when it opens closer to 2030, potentially as soon as 2028.”
To the surprise of no one, NASCAR fans aren’t exactly thrilled with the links.
Please No! There are about a million better places to go for an international race. Don’t take their money! https://t.co/ojaHQcZaqT
— Brad Huber (@bhuber09) October 29, 2024
“Called it, f— you Jim you f—ing sellout! SELL THE GOD D— COMPANY! #sellnascar,” one fan tweeted in anger.
“The France family has identified your future NASCAR fan for ya! Clear on the other side of the world…,” said another.
NASCAR has not been quiet about its goal to grow its brand internationally. But a Saudi race obviously comes with some additional complications.
NASCAR declined to comment when Stern reached out. But in 2023, both COO Steve O’Donnell and Executive VP Ben Kennedy told Sports Business Journal that the series would explore its options for a race in the Middle East.