NASCAR Eyeing International Exhibition Race, Clash Potentially Remaining at Bowman Gray Stadium

What’s Happening?

Amid rumors that NASCAR might move its preseason Clash to Brazil, a new report indicates that NASCAR could instead choose to host an international exhibition race. This year, the Clash took place at Bowman Gray Stadium, the track’s first Cup Series race since 1971.

• Sources told Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal that Bowman Gray Stadium is the leading candidate to host the Clash in 2026 and the future. Furthermore, one source claimed, “the sanctioning body may elect to hold an invitational exhibition overseas due to the exorbitant costs involved, while possibly keeping the Clash at Bowman Gray.”
• Rumors of a future international edition of the Clash first came to light in August 2024. Yet NASCAR ultimately moved the race from Los Angeles to the quarter-mile track in Winston-Salem for 2025. However, during the race, these rumors re-surfaced, sparking a debate about what’s best for NASCAR: Brazil or its roots?
• This would not be NASCAR’s first attempt at an international exhibition. From 1996 to 1998, NASCAR held races in Japan at the Suzuka Circuit and Twin Ring Motegi. Some of these races did not feature select Cup Series drivers; instead, a mix of Japanese drivers and Cup Series regulars stepped in, such as Darrell Waltrip replacing Dale Jarrett in 1998.
• NASCAR traditionally held the Clash at Daytona International Speedway prior to the Daytona 500. However, after lackluster performances, the sport moved to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for 2022. Following the end of that contract, NASCAR moved the race to BGS.ce to BGS.

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