Why adding NASCAR Mexico to Clash weekend is ‘a no-brainer’

The Mexico-based NASCAR series made its U.S. debut in March 2013 at Phoenix Raceway but has not been back since.

When NASCAR announced that the Clash would return to the LA Memorial Coliseum and its ¼-mile made-from-scratch asphalt oval this season, it decided to add an invitational, non-points Mexico series race as well.

For NASCAR’s continuously expanding international efforts as well as its desire to put the sport in front of new fans, it seemed a perfect fit.

“From the excitement that we’ve seen so far from them coming, it’s just huge,” Chad Seigler, NASCAR vice president and chief international officer told Motorsport.com. “This is the first time they’ve been across the border since Phoenix, so it’s been 10 years or so.

“That part has been well-received. It’s important for the drivers, too. They all know Daniel Suarez and they want to take the path of Danny. For them to spend a weekend in Los Angeles and be with the big show and with the drivers, I think it makes it a little bit more real to them.”

Why it’s important

Seigler said he sees an important crossover element from the fan side adding the Mexico Series to the Clash weekend.

“If you look at the largest population of Mexican Hispanics, the largest single concentration outside of Mexico City is Los Angeles. For us, as we look as growing a fan base outside the U.S., it’s a no-brainer,” Seigler said.

“With everything we’ve seen with Garage 56 at Le Mans, the interest from Supercars drivers and our launch in Brazil, with all these things we’ve done, it’s not a coincidence we’ve seen increased international interest.

“We may not everyday be shouting that story from the rooftops per se, but it’s been a strategic plan to do all this international engagement.”

To NASCAR, it’s just as important to expose its international series’ drivers to American NASCAR competition as it is to expose the sport’s current American fans to NASCAR’s international offerings.

That also includes getting the NASCAR Mexico drivers to engage with their American counterparts.

“It’s important from an influence side, a mentor side,” Seigler said. “That crossover is an important element to allow these guys to see a path forward.

“Our national series drivers have been very good in offering guidance, tips, advice. They really want to help these young kids. We bring a lot of drivers to the U.S. – we’ll be bringing some NASCAR Brazil…