“If you want to make an impact, sell out every race. One time, they asked my opinion on the schedule, and I said, ‘Do 20 races — 10 regular season, 10 championship.’” These are the words of Austin Dillon. This is a strategy urging NASCAR to swipe some of F1’s TV ratings magic. And why not? It’s glitzy races, like that record-breaking Las Vegas weekend, fell short of NASCAR’s numbers. With the introduction of global venues like Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, there’s no doubt that NASCAR is eyeing a bigger fish. But, what’s the bigger picture?

NASCAR’s not just racing on American soil anymore; it’s gunning for the world stage. And Formula 1 might be caught in the crossfire! Drivers, insiders, and fans are all caught up in the thrill, and it’s impossible not to feel the stakes rising.

Waging conquests for the motorsports’ crown

Daniel Suarez brings the heart to this fight. “I haven’t raced as a Pro driver, I haven’t raced in my home country for over 10 years. So, it’s a very big deal for me. The Daytona 500 probably is huge, and it would be a dream, Championship the same, but the Mexico race is something personal, that maybe for many people it would be just another race but for me it’s huge.” he told as NASCAR eyes Mexico. The Mexico City race is still on, despite the rumors. Ryan Blaney squashed the cancellation talk: “I don’t know if it’s a political thing or what. From my understanding, it’s happening 100%.”

Brad Moran, NASCAR’s Managing Director, said, “We’re definitely going. Everything’s set up. I’ve been there myself once. We’ve had teams that have been there for probably eight months or so, putting everything together.” It’s a tense wait, and then—boom—on April 8, 2025, Adam Stern on X dropped a game-changer: “.@NASCAR’s Mexico Series says it plans to hold the first ever NASCAR race in Panama in September, amid NASCAR’s broader plans for Latin America and international growth.” Panama? Now that’s a curveball.

NASCAR’s making moves. NASCAR.com laid it out that they’re not just stopping at Mexico—Brazil’s in play, with talks of a Cup Series race at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in São Paulo. The 2000 NASCAR Cup Series champion, Bobby Labonte, competed multiple times in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series in 2018. Labonte said. “NASCAR going to Mexico [for 2025 NASCAR Xfinity and NASCAR Cup Series points races] will grab more potential interest internationally, too. They are building a great overall foundation, and it just has to get to the next level.” It’s a long game, as races might not hit until 2026 or later, but the intent is clear. And the TV numbers back it up.

The Darlington Cup race on April 6, 2025, drew 5.421 million viewers on FS1, a 7% jump from last year’s 5.061 million. That’s power F1 can’t ignore, especially when their own races, like Mexico’s high-altitude grind test their racer’s limits. F1’s not blind to the threat. Back in 2019, they’ve already put the wheels in motion as they’re studying a Panama street race, eyeing the same FIA Grade 3 Autodrome that NASCAR’s targeting.

Meanwhile, NASCAR’s Mexico City plans have folks asking, “How much will track limits factor in?” Reddit fans were stunned by the Panama announcement. It’s all driving NASCAR to challenge F1’s throne. Panama, Brazil, Mexico—this is just the trailer, we can’t wait to see what full-fledged motion picture NASCAR has for us in motion. Unless some outside or some internal forces might have some other fans.

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Economics affecting NASCAR’s grip

For Formula 1 and NASCAR, this isn’t just policy talk. It’s about the love for cars, cheering for teams, and the future it threatens. It’s a worrying trend for F1’s American dream. With three U.S. races—Miami, Austin, Vegas—teams rely on smooth supply chains. But the new developments slap a 25% upside on parts sourced from Europe. Increased costs will ultimately be trickled down to the fans. Ticket prices might spike, and that stings. God forbid watching beautiful cars would one day empty pockets.

NASCAR’s feeling the punch, too. 70% of their merch—hats, shirts, die-cast cars—comes from abroad. Brad Keselowski, the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, said, “Whether that be raw materials or so forth. But at this point in time, I don’t see there being a drastic effect for us. But, you know, I don’t know what I don’t know.” Teams might cut jobs or raise ticket costs. NASCAR’s the gritty, all-American escape, and soon it may have to price everyone out. There has been a discrepancy in driver payments already, and Jimmie Johnson has already clarified why. 

But these are all speculations at the end of the day, and reality might be far from them. But what are your thoughts on this? Do let us know in the comments.