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NASCAR is actively pursuing opportunities for international expansion, aiming to broaden its reach beyond U.S. borders. While the 2026 racing schedule remains focused domestically, the organization is engaging in promising discussions for future events in Canada and potentially other international venues. This strategic initiative underscores NASCAR's commitment to cultivating a more global presence in the thrilling world of motorsport.

NASCAR Sets Sights on Northern Horizons: Renewed Interest in Canadian Race Venues

On a recent Wednesday teleconference, Ben Kennedy, a prominent figure within NASCAR's leadership, articulated the organization's clear aspirations for future international events. He expressed a strong desire to establish a presence not only \"north of the border\" in Canada but also \"south of the border,\" hinting at potential expansion into regions beyond North America at some point in the future. Although the 2026 season's schedule currently features no international contests, Kennedy affirmed that active discussions are underway.

Specifically addressing the Canadian prospect, Kennedy revealed that NASCAR has held \"a handful of conversations with a few groups north of the border\" who have expressed keen interest in hosting a national series race. While acknowledging that these discussions have yet to materialize into concrete plans, he emphasized that securing a Canadian event remains a high priority as NASCAR looks toward its 2027 calendar and beyond. He highlighted the existing positive relationships and experience NASCAR has garnered through its O'Reilly Series and Craftsman Truck Series events in Canada, facilitated by various promoters.

The last time a NASCAR Xfinity Series race graced the iconic Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal was in 2012. More recently, the NASCAR Truck Series competed at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in 2019, marking the most recent visit by a national division to Canadian soil. In contrast, this year witnessed a significant step for NASCAR, with Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City hosting the first points-paying Cup Series race outside the USA since 1958. That event saw local favorite Daniel Suarez triumph in the Xfinity race, while Shane van Gisbergen delivered a dominant performance to win the Cup race. Despite the success, NASCAR has indicated it will not return to Mexico City next year, though the venue is reportedly in advanced talks to potentially host an IndyCar event in 2026.

NASCAR's deliberate and measured approach to international expansion reflects a nuanced understanding of market dynamics and logistical complexities. While the immediate focus remains on nurturing existing partnerships and exploring new avenues, the long-term vision clearly embraces a more global footprint. This calculated strategy suggests that race fans in Canada, and potentially other corners of the world, may soon have more opportunities to experience the thunderous excitement of NASCAR closer to home.

The eagerly anticipated 2026 DTM calendar has been officially released, promising an exhilarating season with eight action-packed race weekends. A significant highlight is the groundbreaking decision to launch the championship at the illustrious Red Bull Ring in Austria, a first for the series. This strategic move, influenced by MotoGP's schedule, aims to streamline the racing landscape and minimize conflicts with other major international motorsport events, ensuring a compelling season for fans and competitors alike.

2026 DTM Season: A Detailed Overview of Venues and Dates

The 2026 DTM season is set to commence with a dramatic start at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, from April 24-26. This picturesque circuit, renowned for its challenging layout, will provide an exciting curtain-raiser for the championship. Following the Austrian opener, the series will venture to Zandvoort in the Netherlands for its second weekend, scheduled from May 22-24, offering a taste of international competition early in the season. The German leg of the championship will then kick off at the Lausitzring between June 19-21, before moving to the historic Norisring from July 3-5, maintaining its cherished traditional slot in the racing calendar.

As the season progresses into its latter half, the action intensifies. Oschersleben, which previously hosted the season opener, will now feature races from July 24-26, marking a pivotal point in the championship battle. Drivers and teams will then head to the iconic Nürburgring for fierce competition between August 14-16. The penultimate round is slated for the Sachsenring from September 11-13. The grand finale, a spectacle eagerly awaited by all, will once again unfold at the Hockenheimring from October 9-11, where champions will be crowned.

A notable achievement in crafting this calendar is the deliberate avoidance of major date conflicts with other premier GT racing series, including the World Endurance Championship, GT World Challenge Europe, and the IMSA SportsCar Championship. This careful planning ensures that top-tier GT3 drivers and teams can participate across multiple prestigious events. While minor overlaps exist with the Intercontinental GT Challenge race at Suzuka (September 11-13, conflicting with Sachsenring) and the eight-hour race in Indianapolis (overlapping with Hockenheim), these are largely isolated incidents. The absence of entirely new circuits on the calendar for 2026 is a pragmatic decision, allowing for thorough evaluation of potential new venues like the Salzburgring for GT3 suitability and acknowledging the current commitments of urban race locations like Vila Real.

This meticulously planned schedule not only promises thrilling races at familiar and beloved venues but also demonstrates a concerted effort to foster broader participation and strategic growth within the global motorsport community.

From a journalist's perspective, this newly released DTM calendar represents a thoughtful and strategic approach to motorsport event planning. The decision to inaugurate the season at the Red Bull Ring, while primarily a response to MotoGP's schedule, injects a fresh dynamic into the championship's opening. More importantly, the conscious effort to minimize clashes with other major GT series is highly commendable. This foresight not only benefits the teams and drivers by allowing greater flexibility and participation across different championships, but it also enhances the overall quality and depth of competition for fans. By ensuring that top talent isn't forced to choose between events, DTM is positioning itself as a leader in collaborative scheduling, ultimately enriching the global motorsport landscape. This move underlines a maturing perspective within racing, prioritizing accessibility and quality of competition, which is a win for everyone involved.