NASCAR question

[alphamommy]

DH and I don't watch NASCAR, but we do watch college football.

During the Michigan-Notre Dame game yesterday, we noticed commercials for a race that was airing on ABC after the game. The race was being held at Richmond International Speedway.

After hearing this a couple times, DH turned to me and asked why it was an "international" speedway. "Does it cross national borders or something?" he asked.

This got both of us wondering why different race tracks have "International" in their names. We had lots of uneducated speculation, such as that they allow non-American drivers or cars.

Does anyone know the real answer? Thanks!

[medic9016]

International Speedway Corporation owns and operates the track and 12 other tracks. They owns several other track that have international in the title. Michigan International speedway, Daytona International speedway and others.

[SandmanGStefani24]

it probably doesn't continue to be true, but back in the day (as they say) tracks that were open to, or held events for organizations centered outside the US (i.e. F-1) used International in the title. Those who did not used other terms, such as raceway, speedway, ect.

Hey Medic, isn't Darlington Raceway owned by ISC? If so, they have not chosen to add International to their title.

[Lizzy]

I love Nascar, but I never really paid attention to the International part. I always just figured it was due to all the many diffrent motorsport events besides Nascar that are held at those tracks.