Steve Phelps shares a strong sentiment on future Brazil Cup race days before NASCAR’s historic event in Mexico: “I’d like to see it happen” 

NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps expressed strong interest in bringing a race to Brazil and shared his excitement about the possibility of an event in South America. His comments came ahead of the Cup Series' first international trip in the Modern Era, as Mexico City is gearing up to host both the Cup and Xfinity Series.

In recent years, Montreal and Brazil emerged as potential markets to host a Cup Series event alongside Mexico City, as NASCAR explores international expansion. While Brazil was previously rumored to host the preseason Clash in 2026, recent reports indicate that the event will remain in the United States next year.

Steve Phelps, who recently visited Sao Paulo, made a candid admission about the possibility of racing in Brazil. While he didn't provide a specific timeline, Phelps expressed his 'personal excitement' about the prospect of racing in Brazil. The commissioner said that all stakeholders would need to come together to make such an event materialize.

In a recent interview with Motorsport.com, Phelps said:

"I don't know when we'll get to Brazil. I'd like to see it happen. Obviously, we need all parties to come together and understand how important that would be for NASCAR in general and for the category. But I personally would be very excited about it."

Phelps also described the upcoming race at Mexico City as a "big stage" for NASCAR and insisted the success of the event might inspire drivers to race in Brazil.

"...I think the Mexican fans are going to come, they're going to support us, and I think it's going to be a great show. Our drivers will love the circuit, and maybe, who knows, we can have our drivers, at some point, come to Brazil and have a race in São Paulo." he added.

The NASCAR Brazil Series was formed in 2023, following the rebranding of the GT Sprint Race Series. Last year, Mexican driver Daniel Suarez clinched a victory in the series. Brazil has a rich motorsports heritage, being the home of F1 legend Ayrton Senna, as well as the Piquet and Fittipaldi racing families.

Brazilian driver Nelson Piquet Jr. won three races in the National Series, while Helio Castroneves recently made his Cup debut in the 2025 Daytona 500.

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NASCAR Clash won't go International for 2026

NASCAR Chief Venue & Racing Innovation Officer Ben Kennedy has made headlines for moving the season finale back to Homestead-Miami Speedway for 2026. However, Kennedy confirmed that the Clash will remain on American soil next season.

Kennedy didn't rule out racing outside the United States in the future but suggested that next year's Clash would stay domestic. He shared that they are exploring the possibility of an international exhibition event during the off-season.

"I think as far as next year goes, more than likely it will stay domestic here in the United States. I wouldn’t ever rule out international in the future, though. We have thoughts about a lot of it being prior to the season, in the off-season, an exhibition race. It’s a great opportunity for us to bring NASCAR racing to other parts of the world," Kennedy was quoted by NBC Sports.

The 2025 Clash was held at the Bowman-Gray Stadium, as the sport returned to its roots. While talks of more international races continue to develop, teams are gearing up for the Cup Series' first international trip since 1958. Mexico City will host the Xfinity race on June 14, 4:30 p.m. ET, and the Cup race on June 15, 3:00 p.m. ET.