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Foreign-Born NASCAR Champions: The Unstoppable Rise of International Racing Legends

Harry Stone by Harry Stone
August 10, 2025
in Motorsports, NASCAR
Reading Time: 4 mins read
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Foreign-Born NASCAR Champions: The Unstoppable Rise of International Racing Legends

Aug 10, 2025; Watkins Glen, New York, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Shane van Gisbergen (88) punts a rugby ball into the stands following his victory in the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

Unleashing the Global Champions: The Rise of Foreign-Born Drivers in NASCAR History

In a groundbreaking turn of events, Shane van Gisbergen has shattered records and made history in the NASCAR Cup Series by clinching his third career victory at the Chicago Street Course in 2025. With this triumph, van Gisbergen has officially become the most successful foreign-born driver in NASCAR’s storied history. Traditionally seen as an American bastion of motorsport, NASCAR is witnessing a seismic shift as international talent steps into the spotlight.

The journey toward this momentous victory is steeped in history. Before van Gisbergen’s recent success, NASCAR had not seen a points-paying Cup race outside the U.S. since 1958, with the first race held in Mexico City taking place only in 2025. Daniel Suarez, the only foreign-born driver to ever seize a national-level championship in the sport, made waves in 2016 by winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series title and has since paved the way for other international competitors.

However, the tides are turning. The 2022 Cup race at Watkins Glen showcased an unprecedented diversity, featuring drivers from seven different countries—a record for the series. Remarkably, five of the 11 NASCAR Cup races won by foreign-born drivers have occurred in just the last five years, highlighting the growing international influence in this quintessentially American racing league.

A detailed look reveals that drivers from seven nations have celebrated victories at NASCAR’s national level, with foreign-born racers claiming a total of 41 wins across all major divisions. Canada leads the charge with 13 victories, but the most celebrated moments come from the Cup Series, where six drivers have left their mark.

Championing Change: Shane van Gisbergen’s Meteoric Rise

Bursting onto the NASCAR scene in 2023 with a stunning debut victory for Trackhouse Racing, Shane van Gisbergen, affectionately known as SVG, transitioned from a three-time Supercars champion to a full-time NASCAR contender. With 2025 still unfolding, SVG has already secured his place in the Cup Series playoffs and is a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year honors, winning four out of five road and street course races this season.

Daniel Suarez: The Trailblazer

Daniel Suarez, who became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2024, stands alone as the only driver born outside the U.S. to have won at all three national levels of NASCAR. His stellar achievement in 2016, where he captured the Xfinity Series championship, set the stage for foreign-born drivers. Suarez has made a significant impact in the Cup Series, winning races on both road courses and ovals, a feat unmatched by any other foreign-born driver.

Marcos Ambrose: The Road Course King

Marcos Ambrose, another Supercars champion, made his mark in NASCAR, particularly at road courses like Watkins Glen, where he amassed several victories. His legacy in the Xfinity Series is noteworthy, as he holds the record for the most wins by a foreign-born driver, a record that Shane van Gisbergen and Daniel Suarez are rapidly approaching.

The Road Course Ringers: Ron Fellows and More

Ron Fellows, a legendary road course ringer, made his name as a formidable contender in NASCAR’s lower divisions, securing three wins at Watkins Glen in the Xfinity Series. His prowess at road courses remains unmatched, and his competition history includes several near victories at the Cup level.

Stewart Friesen: The Truck Series Powerhouse

Stewart Friesen, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Canada, has carved out an impressive reputation in the NASCAR Truck Series. With four wins and a Championship 4 appearance, Friesen has established himself as the winningest foreign-born driver in Truck Series history, demonstrating the depth of talent that exists beyond American borders.

Juan Pablo Montoya: The Versatile Racer

Juan Pablo Montoya, a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and former Formula 1 star, has also made his mark in NASCAR, winning at prestigious tracks like Sonoma and Watkins Glen. His versatility is legendary, and he remains one of the top-performing non-American drivers in NASCAR history.

Nelson Piquet Jr. and Mario Andretti: Legends of the Track

Nelson Piquet Jr., the son of a Formula 1 World Champion, made a splash in NASCAR with wins on ovals and a notable victory in the Xfinity Series at Road America. Meanwhile, the iconic Mario Andretti, an Italian-American racing legend, etched his name into NASCAR history with a stunning win in the 1967 Daytona 500, one of the sport’s crown jewels.

The Legacy Continues: Earl Ross and Raphael Lessard

Earl Ross, the Canadian driver who triumphed at Martinsville in 1974, remains a historical figure in NASCAR, tying for the best points finish by a non-American driver. Raphael Lessard, a young talent, showcased his skills by winning at Talladega, proving that the future of NASCAR racing is undoubtedly bright and diverse.

As NASCAR continues to evolve, the contributions of foreign-born drivers are reshaping the landscape of this iconic sport, proving that talent knows no borders. The roar of engines and the thrill of competition are now more global than ever, paving the way for a new era in racing history.

Tags: 2023-nascar-cup-season2025-nascar-cup-series2025-nascar-xfinity-seriesdaniel-suarezmarcos-ambroseShane van Gisbergenteam-trackhouse-racing
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