NASCAR clearly has its focus on expanding its geographic footprint as the premier stock car racing organisation looks ahead beyond this season.
Earlier today, NASCAR announced that it will host its first-ever Cup Series race in Mexico starting in 2025 – the first points race outside the United States in 67 years.
Could we also see the sport expand westward with a street race in America’s Finest City?
NASCAR looking for new street race venue, favours San Diego
Earlier this week, Adam Stern of the Sports Business Journal reported that NASCAR is interested in San Diego for a potential future street race as it looks to grow interest in the sport beyond the South.
NASCAR reportedly hosted officials from potential destinations – including Cincinnati, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Denver and Portland – at this year’s Grant Park 165, the second annual race through the streets of Chicago.
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According to Stern, multiple sources have identified San Diego as one of the cities NASCAR is ‘most keen on’ for a future street race.
The sport has a long history in California, which has hosted more than 150 Cup Series races across nearly 20 different tracks dating back to 1951. Only two such races remained on this year’s calendar: the Clash at the Coliseum exhibition in Los Angeles and the road race at Sonoma.
Jimmie Johnson, whose seven championships are tied for the most in NASCAR history, was born just 15 miles east of downtown San Diego. Current stars Tyler Reddick and Kyle Larson – who rank first and second in points entering Sunday’s Southern 500 at Darlington – both hail from the Golden State.
What’s the future of the Chicago Street Race?
In Stern’s report, he also suggested NASCAR could ‘elect to move on’ from the Chicago Street Race after two years of losing money on the event.
Both editions of the race have been shortened by torrential downpours in the Windy City, though NASCAR officials still feel the races had ‘important residual effects’ for growing the sport with a new audience as it secured a nearly $8 billion TV deal last year.
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NASCAR could opt for two street races each season, especially given the popularity and historic nature of the first two races in Chicago.
Last year, former Australian Supercars star Shane van Gisbergen won his inaugural Cup Series start in the Grant Park 220 – becoming the first driver to win their debut in 60 years. He’ll drive full-time for Trackhouse Racing beginning next season.