The Mexico-based NASCAR collection made its U.S. debut in March 2013 at Phoenix Raceway however has not been again since.
When NASCAR introduced that the Conflict would return to the LA Memorial Coliseum and its ¼-mile made-from-scratch asphalt oval this season, it determined so as to add an invitational, non-points Mexico collection race as nicely.
For NASCAR’s constantly increasing worldwide efforts in addition to its want to place the game in entrance of latest followers, it appeared an ideal match.
“From the thrill that we’ve seen so removed from them coming, it’s simply big,” Chad Seigler, NASCAR vice chairman and chief worldwide officer informed Motorsport.com. “That is the primary time they’ve been throughout the border since Phoenix, so it’s been 10 years or so.
“That half has been well-received. It’s necessary for the drivers, too. All of them know Daniel Suarez they usually need to take the trail of Danny. For them to spend a weekend in Los Angeles and be with the large present and with the drivers, I believe it makes it a little bit bit extra actual to them.”
Why it is necessary
Seigler mentioned he sees an necessary crossover aspect from the fan facet including the Mexico Sequence to the Conflict weekend.
“When you take a look at the most important inhabitants of Mexican Hispanics, the most important single focus outdoors of Mexico Metropolis is Los Angeles. For us, as we glance as rising a fan base outdoors the U.S., it’s a no brainer,” Seigler mentioned.
“With every part we’ve seen with Storage 56 at Le Mans, the curiosity from Supercars drivers and our launch in Brazil, with all this stuff we’ve performed, it’s not a coincidence we’ve seen elevated worldwide curiosity.
“We could not on a regular basis be shouting that story from the rooftops per se, nevertheless it’s been a strategic plan to do all this worldwide engagement.”
To NASCAR, it’s simply as necessary to show its worldwide collection’ drivers to American NASCAR competitors as it’s to show the game’s present American followers to NASCAR’s worldwide choices.
That additionally consists of getting the NASCAR Mexico drivers to have interaction with their American counterparts.
“It’s necessary from an affect facet, a mentor facet,” Seigler mentioned. “That crossover is a vital aspect to permit these guys to see a path ahead.
“Our nationwide collection drivers have been excellent in providing steerage, ideas, recommendation. They actually need to assist these younger children. We carry a whole lot of drivers to the U.S. – we’ll be bringing some NASCAR Brazil drivers to Daytona subsequent month.”
The addition of a NASCAR Mexico occasion to the Conflict weekend additionally has particular significance from the TV publicity facet.
As a part of its weekend of protection, Fox Sports activities will air the Feb. 4 Mexico race dwell on Fox Sports activities 1 with veteran expertise Adam Alexander and Michael Waltrip becoming a member of Cup driver Brad Keselowski within the sales space.
Whereas the race may even air on Fox Deportes, it seems the FS1 broadcast would be the first for the collection on an English-speaking sports activities community within the U.S.
“We expect it is a nice alternative to showcase the highest Mexican drivers to the most important Mexican inhabitants within the U.S. It’s an important alternative for the drivers, for the followers right here in L.A., possibly make some new followers and L.A. is the right marketplace for it,” mentioned Invoice Wanger, Fox Sports activities’ govt vice chairman and head of programming and scheduling.
“Our NASCAR followers are very accustomed to our expertise and having these acquainted faces within the sales space will herald folks. On the finish of the day, NASCAR followers need to see good racing and our expertise within the sales space will clearly assist facilitate that.
“We’re all on board rising the game internationally. Clearly, we’re targeted on the States, however something NASCAR can do to develop its reputation can solely assist the game throughout the board.”
For the NASCAR Mexico rivals, they appear to see nothing however positives.
ARCA Menards Sequence full-time driver Andres Perez, who additionally nonetheless competes within the Mexico Sequence, mentioned every part about subsequent weekend’s race is “a giant deal.”
“I’ve by no means been to the Conflict. I’ve undoubtedly watched it. I believe it’s going to be nice however chaos on the identical time,” mentioned Perez, who’s entered within the race. “Small monitor, no factors. All of the drivers, most of them from Mexico, that is like their probability – they usually additionally take into account me to be spoiled right here within the U.S. Everybody’s going to try to win it regardless that there’s no factors.
“I believe it’s large. It simply brings much more eyes and displaying to the U.S. what NASCAR Mexico is. Lots of people know this a giant deal over there, and it’s rising, so yeah, I believe that’s crucial.”
