Crossing the Border… Would it Be Wise for the Sprint Cup Series?   April 18, 2008 T. Jay Maddox - SCR   As the NASCAR Nationwide Series heads south of the border to Mexico City for the fourth running at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, the issue of where NASCAR should grow next becomes of interest.   NASCAR has seen extraordinary growth in the last 30 years and has expanded with new tracks in larger markets like Texas, California, and Chicago. Other markets like the state of Washington and New York have also been considered in recent years.   The NASCAR Nationwide Series raced at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal last season which marked the first time a NASCAR race had taken place in Canada since the Cup Series ran in Toronto in 1958.   The Cup Series has not been on foreign soil since 1998 when they traveled to Japan for an exhibition race at the Suzuka Circuit. But one has to wonder if a Cup race on foreign soil is in the not too distant future. NASCAR Betting Tips So should one or all of the series look at expanding in these or other markets? There is no question there is interest within the fan base elsewhere. The race in Mexico has been very well attended with enthusiastic fans. Part of the reason for this support most assuredly the international drivers who have joined the NASCAR ranks from other forms of racing in recent years, drivers like Juan Pablo Montoya and Dario Franchitti.   When asked about support for NASCAR racing outside the US, John Andretti, Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Open Wheel Veteran said, “We have the drivers from outside the United States that can help draw the crowd too. Juan Pablo Montoya, Dario Franchitti and Patrick Carpentier are names that can draw more fans. There are plenty fans outside the United States who are starved for the Sprint Cup Series. You just need to look at our neighbors to the north and south to see that.”   “It’s always fun to go somewhere new, and the Nationwide Series has been well received in Mexico and Canada,” said NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series rookie Marc Mitchell, driver of the No. 15 Toyota”   Fans have proved that they will go to the track if a NASCAR race is there. If NASCAR decided to take their top series overseas they would not be the first sports to do so. The NFL will play a regular season game in London, England again this year after a successful try in 2007. The NFL has also added a game in Canada for the 2008 season and Major League Baseball opened their 2008 season in Japan.   “I’m sure it’s something that NASCAR has and continues to take a look at,” said NASCAR veteran Bobby Labonte. “Eventually, you have to think for our sport to continue to grow that we’ll have to take the Sprint Cup Series outside the United States.”   However the idea is not without its challenges. First and foremost is the cost. The cost for teams to travel can exorbitant. With the rising cost of fuel alone, the cost for teams to travel to places like California, Phoenix, and Las Vegas is almost more than some teams can handle, now let alone the consideration for trips to Mexico, Canada or beyond.   Marc Mitchell has seen the rising cost take a toll on his team first hand this season. “I see us as a solid truck series team, and we have already race in a few events out west. That’s still financially hard for us. It’s just about timing. Right now, there are lots of teams hunting for sponsors. The economy is a little shaky. I just don’t think right now is a good time for teams to have to incur another big cost.”   Advertise on StockCar Review, SCR has advertising rates starting as low as $12.00 per month. Email us at scr@stockcarreview.com for more information.        Another obstacle is scheduling. Many drivers consider the existing schedule of races over the top in terms of the time taken away from home and families. With nearly every weekend taken during the NASACAR season and testing filling out even open race weekends and the travel necessary to get from track to track, there is very little time available for an undertaking like races outside our borders.   Labonte is well aware of these challenges. “Logistically, it’s tough. I’m sure it can be great for the sport, but all the parts and pieces have to fit just right. It’s not an easy task for these teams to travel like that and get back to race the following week. We’re a weekly series, and we don’t have much room in our schedule right now.”     Andretti agrees with Labonte “The problem will be the scheduling. It’s already a very demanding schedule right now.”   But if it could be done these drivers feel it would be good for the growth of the sport, great for the fans and fun for the drivers.     “I guess it’s just something that needs to happen for the sport to continue to grow,” added Andretti. “We couldn’t stay in the southeast all the time. We eventually had to expand”     Mitchell had similar thoughts. “It’s exciting to think that NASCAR could travel to different markets and win over some fans.” In order for NASACR to continue its growth rate, it would appear that searching other markets with new fans and potentially new sponsors makes good sense. It’s not without its challenges but the opportunity is there.   John Andretti probably summed it up best when he said, “I think that is the next natural progression. There are plenty fans outside the United States who are starved for the Sprint Cup Series. You just need to look at our neighbors to the north and south to see that.”   This weekend at Mexico City could end up being a tell-tale sign for NASCAR, if they have another good turnout one could only expect that a Sprint Cup race on foreign soil is not far behind.   I guess we all will just have to wait and see.   Questions, Comments: Email Jay    The views and opinions in this article are that of the writer(s) and not necessarily that of SCR