NASCAR is currently in the midst of a major push to expand beyond its traditional geographic footprint.
Earlier this week, reports surfaced that NASCAR was looking to add a future street race in San Diego, among other potential cities in the Northeast, Midwest and Pacific Northwest.
On Tuesday, the governing body announced a new Cup Series race in Mexico City – the first international points race in 67 years. But it’ll come at the expense of a beloved track for longtime racing fans.
Richmond to lose Cup Series race in 2025
Richmond Raceway, which hosted its first Cup Series race in 1953, has held two races in NASCAR’s top circuit every season since 1959 (aside from 2020).
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That’ll change next season with the spring race getting booted in favor of the inaugural race in Mexico City in 2025 – the fifth straight season with a new event on the Cup Series schedule.
Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s executive vice president, said the sport was “still committed to Richmond,” which it saw as “an important track (and) an important market” to connect with its current audience.
A costly loss for the Richmond community
While NASCAR owns the track itself, Richmond Raceway and local county officials have fought over the last 15 years to keep two annual races at the “Action Track,” which once sold out 33 consecutive races.
According to 2009 studies cited by a Henrico Citizen report, Richmond could lose nearly $170 million in economic impact and roughly $40 million in tax revenue without a second race at the historic venue.
Over the decades, the 0.75-mile short track has been regarded by NASCAR fans for its high-speed action and Saturday night races, though attendance had been falling in recent years.
Richmond, where Austin Dillon wrecked Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin to win the Cook Out 400, was also the site of one of the craziest incidents of this season.