Dialed In? Geographic Expansion and Regional Identity in NASCAR's Nextel Cup Series

Abstract

In recent years, NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) has undertaken an aggressive campaign of geographic expansion. With the hopes of becoming a national sport, new races have been held in the Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Miami markets. While the traditional southeastern United States core continues to host the majority of races, some argue that expansion has resulted in a re-writing of stock car history and a decline of southern distinctiveness in the sport. Changing NASCAR Nextel (formerly Winston) Cup race locations, driver hometowns, and fan club membership will be considered as part of an attempt to assess the impact of NASCAR expansion upon southern regional identity.