Going abroad: NASCAR’s international races over the years

The NASCAR Cup Series made history in June 2025 with its race at the iconic Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, Mexico. The contest was the first international points-paying event in the division's modern era. 

Although the international points-paying contest was a first for the circuit in the modern era, it wasn't the first time NASCAR has spanned the globe. Look back at these international bouts to occur over the years, covering the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, Craftsman Truck Series and much more. 

Where: Niagara Falls, Ontario (Canada)

When: July 1, 1952 

Track: Stamford Park 

Series: Cup

Background: The surging growth of the Cup Series -- then known as the Grand National Series -- coupled with the booming popularity of stock car racing just next door, led to a trip across the border to Stamford Park. Opened in 1923, the half-mile dirt track quickly gained a reputation of being a "car killer" thanks to a rough, flat surface and dangerous board fences.

Such a rugged reputation continued during the unnamed 200-lap event, where only three cars out of 17 completed the race. Buddy Shuman took the checkered flag and the $1,000 grand prize, while Herb Thomas -- pictured here -- finished runner-up in the No. 92 Fabulous Hudson Hornet.

Where: Toronto, Ontario (Canada) 

When: July 18, 1958 

Track: Canadian National Exposition Stadium 

Series: Cup 

Background: The 1958 Jim Mideon 500 was the 31st of 51 races during the 1958 Grand National Series campaign. The 0.333-mile paved Canadian Exposition Stadium had 19 competitors, and while Stamford Park only had three finishers, this contest had 16 complete the race. Lee Petty -- who finished 16th in the Stamford contest six years prior -- led 29 laps and took home the victory, while his son, Richard Petty, finished 17th after his '57 Oldsmobile wrecked. 

This race only had one lead change; the average speed was 43.184 mph, slower compared to Stamford Park's 45.61 mph. Only four drivers completed all 100 laps.  

Where: Melbourne, Victoria (Australia) 

When: Feb. 28, 1988 

Track: Calder Park Thunderdome 

Series: Cup 

Background: More than 30 cars participated in the Thunderdome exhibition, with the track in fact modeled after a NASCAR facility: Charlotte Motor Speedway. Interestingly enough, the contest took place after two points-paying races already concluded to begin the 1988 campaign (Daytona, Richmond). Bonnett, who finish fourth in that year's Daytona 500 and first at Richmond Raceway, continued his torrid February with the exhibition victory, beating out fellow "Alabama Gang" member Bobby Allison, who won that year's "Great American Race." 

Several NASCAR drivers returned to the country to participate in additional unofficial, non-sanctioned racing events, including the 1988 Christmas 500, where Morgan Shepherd outlasted Sterling Marlin.

Where: Suzuka, Mie Prefecture (Japan) 

When: 1996-1997 (two races)

Track: Suzuka Circuitland

Series: Cup

Background: The infamous Suzuka Circuit played host to NASCAR's premier series in 1996-97, with cars shipped 7,000 miles -- including across the Pacific Ocean -- to participate. Race programs included pictures and signatures from top drivers, in addition to messages written in both English and Japanese, truly showing the global reach the sport brought to bear. 

Rusty Wallace led 84 laps in his iconic No. 2 Team Penske Ford en route to the 1996 triumph in the NASCAR Suzuka Thunder Special. Mike Skinner, meanwhile, claimed the 1997 dub, despite leading only 26 laps in his No. 31 Chevrolet; runner-up Mark Martin tallied 51 laps, while Ricky Craven (who finished 19th) accumulated 35 circuits. 

RELATED: When NASCAR raced in Japan

Where: Motegi, Tochigi Prefecture (Japan) 

When: Nov. 22, 1998 

Track: Twin Ring Motegi Superspeedway 

Series: Cup 

Background: The third -- and final -- Cup Series exhibition in Japan transitioned from a road-course layout to a more oval-oriented configuration. Jeremy Mayfield started on the pole at the 1.549-kilometer track, and while he led 10 laps, it was Mike Skinner who once again took the victory, leading 94 laps. 

Although the track did not host another Cup contest, it did have ARCA Menards Series West action take place one year later; then called the NASCAR Winston West Series, Kevin Richards won there on Nov. 20, 1999, in what was the season finale of that series. 

Where: Mexico City (Mexico) 

When: 2005-2008 (Xfinity), 2025 (Cup, Xfinity); six total races

Track: Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez 

Series: Cup, Xfinity 

Background: Although the Cup Series tackled the 2.42-mile road course for the first time, the Xfinity Series had prior history here. Martin Truex Jr. won the inaugural Xfinity race in 2005, while Denny Hamlin (2006), Juan Pablo Montoya (2007) and Kyle Busch (2008) have also found Victory Lane at the iconic track. Monterrey native Daniel Suárez found Victory Lane at the facility during the 2025 running, battling from the rear of the field to claim the emotional triumph. 

The Cup Series bout did not dissapoint, delivering exciting racing from start to finish. New Zealand native Shane van Gisbergen prevailed in the inaugural race, dominating the field and winning by 16-plus seconds. 

Where: Montreal, Quebec (Canada) 

When: 2007-2012 (six races) 

Track: Circuit Gilles Villenueve

Series: Xfinity 

Background: A collection of household names, including Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards, Marcos Ambrose and 2024 Xfinity Series champion Justin Allgaier, have found Victory Lane at the 2.709-mile road course. The 2010 contest, won by Boris Said, is particularly of note, currently being one of the closest Xfinity Series finishes in history; Said wheeled the No. 09 Ford to the victory by 0.012 seconds over Max Papis. 

Where: Bowmanville, Ontario (Canada) 

When: 2013-2019 (seven races) 

Track: Canadian Tire Motorsports Park 

Series: Craftsman Truck

Background: Plenty of current Cup Series pilots -- including Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney and Austin Cindric -- have prior history here as they began their trek up the NASCAR national series ladder. Of course, the 2.459-mile road course has also been the host of a slew of ... memorable finishes, especially when it comes to late-race bumps and post-contest punches. Need reason to believe? Well, just watch. 

NASCAR Regional 

Series: ARCA Menards Series, Whelen Modified Tour, Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series

Background: Regional circuits have dabbled in the international scene, most notably in Canada; the ARCA Menards Series raced at Cayuga International Speedway in Hamilton, Ontario in 2008. Dating further back, the series raced at Delaware Speedway (also in Ontario) from 1987-92, spanning six races. 

The Whelen Modified Tour has also called Delaware Speedway a scheduled track, with Ron Silk (pictured here) winning in the lone race there: The 2011 Delaware 150. 

The Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series has additionally participated in Canada, with Autodrome Chaudière and Autodrome Granby -- both in Quebec City -- and Eastbound International Speedway in Newfoundland and Labrador being several notable facilities. 

NASCAR México Series 

Inaugural season: 2004

Background: Formed more than two decades ago, the NASCAR México Series is the premier Mexican speed motorsports series and was the first NASCAR championship organized outside the United States. Two categories -- NASCAR México and NASCAR Challenge -- make up the series. 

In 2024, the circuit held its first race abroad, racing in the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to begin the campaign. 

RELATED: More information on NASCAR México Series

NASCAR Canada Series

Inaugural season: 2007

Background: Formerly known as the NASCAR Pinty's Series, the NASCAR Canada Series is the premier motorsports league in Canada, with track visits across five different provinces. The circuit has additionally treked to the United States for races, with the first race stateside being held at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in September 2018.

RELATED: More information on NASCAR Canada Series 

NASCAR Euro Series 

Inaugural season: 2009 

Background: After contests initially occured in France, the NASCAR Euro Series has since expanded to race in other countries, including the United Kingdom, Belgium and Spain. Iconic, household tracks, including Brands Hatch and Circuit de la Sarthe (more commonly known as Le Mans) have acted as hosts. 

The series, similarly to others, has undergone several name changes, with the NASCAR Euro Series being the new iteration, being rebranded as such after the 2024 campaign.

RELATED: More information on NASCAR Euro Series

NASCAR Brasil Series

Inaugural season: 2012

Background: Launched in 2011, the NASCAR Brasil Series -- then known as the Sprint Race -- came into being, with this series bringing the most innovations each year to Brazilian motorsports. The series officially joined NASCAR-sanctioning status starting during the 2023 season. 

The series, while still relatively new, has already had close connection to the Cup Series, with Daniel Suárez racing in the circuit in August 2024 during the 2024 Summer Olympics. 

RELATED: More information on NASCAR Brasil Series