NASCAR Champion Sheldon Creed Advocates for International Expansion and Schedule Shake-up
NASCAR, long defined by its iconic oval tracks and high-speed superspeedways across America, is witnessing a shift in perspective as it eyes global growth. This evolution is reflected in the bold vision of current drivers, with one champion willing to challenge tradition to push the sport forward.
Sheldon Creed's Bold Proposal: Swap a Superspeedway for an F1 Circuit
In a revealing interview with Barstool Racing, 2020 NASCAR Truck Series champion Sheldon Creed discussed his radical ideas for modifying the racing calendar. When asked about tracks he would add and remove, Creed demonstrated a global mindset uncommon in the traditionally U.S.-centric series.
"I think I could add one anywhere in the country or anywhere in the world. Maybe like Red Bull Ring or Abu Dhabi," Creed stated, referencing the famous Formula 1 circuits in Austria and the United Arab Emirates. "Road course or something. Out of the box, that we haven't done. I would take Fontana back any day of the week."
Creed's focus on the Red Bull Ring—home track of F1 champion Max Verstappen—comes with a significant trade-off. He is prepared to sacrifice a piece of NASCAR heritage, explaining, "But then if I'm going to take one away, I'm going to take away one of the superspeedways because we do six now a year."
Balancing Tradition with Innovation: Creed's Rationale for Change
While Creed clarified he isn't opposed to superspeedways, he believes six annual events are excessive. His proposal to introduce a challenging road course aims to diversify the schedule and place greater emphasis on driver skill and control.
When pressed to name a track for elimination, Creed responded diplomatically: "I don't have a track that I hate. Maybe Portland. The problem with Portland is that the fans are actually great." He was referring to Portland International Raceway, a venue celebrated for open-wheel racing and close finishes, which has hosted numerous series including ARCA Menards, IndyCar, Formula E, NASCAR Xfinity, and Truck Series.
Creed's confidence in tackling any track type is bolstered by his recent breakthrough victory. After years of near-misses, he secured his first O'Reilly Auto Parts Series win, proving his adaptability and competitive edge.
Historic Victory at Atlanta Marks Turning Point for Creed
Creed's triumph at Atlanta Motor Speedway last week was monumental, marking not only his personal first win in the series but also the second victory for his team, Haas Factory. This achievement followed an agonizing streak of 15 runner-up finishes in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, including at EchoPark Speedway.
"I've been a loser the last couple of years, and I kept showing up," Creed confessed to CW Sports post-race. "It's not how you draw it up when you're a Truck Champion." His perseverance paid off as he outmaneuvered competitors Parker Retzlaff and Nicholas Sanchez to claim the checkered flag.
This victory underscores Creed's credibility as he voices controversial opinions on NASCAR's future direction. His call for international expansion and schedule restructuring reflects a growing sentiment among drivers seeking to elevate the sport's global profile while maintaining competitive integrity.
