Late last year, all the garage talk was that NASCAR would test new rules at this year's fall Talledaga race (few weeks away) with a possible new common template but also a bigger "greenhouse" car that might allow NASCAR to get rid of the dreaded restrictor plate. Appears this to be premature but they continue work on the common template. Even Toyota and possibily Volkswagon will enter NASCAR WC/Busch if this this happens. Toyota is already in the NASCAR Goody's Dash series and is expected to enter the Craftsman Truck series by 2005' as they develop their V-8 engine program.
Also NASCAR is looking hard at the Hispanic market and with IRL going to Mexico next year I'd not be surprised to see NASCAR follow suit. Also don't be surprised to see NASCAR look again at Japan as time goes by. Remember, they've been there before and England also now has a Superspeedway, I believe at or near Santa Pod so UPS might get some international exposure from DJ and the #88 bunch! Marketing goals and dynamics have proven fruitful for the NASCAR venture and international venues only enhance the value of this investment.
mac
