“We need to get on an oval in Canada,” Brad Keselowski calls for NASCAR’s return to ‘The Great White North’

Brad Keselowski wants NASCAR Cup Series to cross borders.

“We need to get on an oval in Canada,” Brad Keselowski calls for NASCAR’s return to ‘The Great White North’

Brad Keselowski (Image via Charlotte Observer)

RFK Racing driver and co-owner Brad Keselowski has competed in 499 races over 15 years in his NASCAR Cup Series career. If there is one thing he wants, it is for NASCAR to host a Cup race in Canada. Keselowski wants the sport to get on an oval in Canada, nicknamed “The Great White North” due to its weather conditions

NASCAR Xfinity Series had run races in Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve from 2007 to 2012. The Craftsman Truck Series held the Chevrolet Silverado 250 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park from 2013 through 2019. Hence it is safe to say that a few NASCAR series have crossed the border occasionally. Brad Keselowski claims there is a big market in Canada and wants to get there.

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Brad Keselowski stated, “There is a big market for us there. We need to get to Canada and on an oval in Canada. I think that particular market is underserved and full of a ton of NASCAR fans that would help us branch out somewhat internationally while in a manner I think could control costs for the owners in a respectful way.”

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Brad Keselowski wants NASCAR to find road courses in other countries

Brad Keselowski (Image via Sportscasting)
Brad Keselowski (Image via Sportscasting)

Keselowski added, “I think the layup for us as a sport is to find these road courses in different countries, and that’s better than nothing.” However, there have been NASCAR’s top stars running an oval race in Canada before. One example is Buddy Shuman, who won a Grand National race at Stamford Park In 1952. NASCAR Cup Series was called the NASCAR Grand National Series between 1950 and 1970. 

The Stamford Park race in Niagara Falls, Ontario, was the first NASCAR race outside the United States. Hence, Brad Keselowski calls for its return to Canada as it wouldn’t be the first time. Richard Petty’s father, NASCAR superstar Lee Petty competed in a 0.333-mile oval, a Canadian Exposition Stadium, in 1958. And he won the Grand National race. 

Brad Keselowski has run three races at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for the Xfinity Series. It was when he was a full-time Xfinity driver for JR Motorsports and Team Penske. Therefore, Keselowski speaks from experience when he says it is a good market for NASCAR. He claims the fans are passionate, and the fan base in Canada is significant.

Meanwhile, NASCAR Pinty’s Series runs races in Canada. They shuffle between the ovals, road courses, and dirt tracks. Though there is a NASCAR presence in Canada, Keselowski calls for a Cup race to be held there.

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