More evidence of NASCAR’s global aspirations?

UPDATE #3 Many people think Bernie Ecclestone is behind this series and not NASCAR as he wants to head off NASCAR's apparent international expansion aspirations and this way he has control of stock car racing outside of North America and not NASCAR

02/26/07 Today's announcement of a NASCAR type racing series in the Middle East and Asia is interesting. On the surface it appears NASCAR is very likely behind this series as the cars are NASCAR and the engines are even built in Charlotte. The proliferation of NASCAR's model is spreading worldwide. Eventually they could probably put their name on this series, just like they did in Mexico and Canada. What is interesting are Bernie Ecclestone's comments. Could he be involved, and if so is he really behind this as a way to head off further NASCAR international expansion?

02/22/07 See this rumor for more information on this rumor.

02/17/07 A reader writes, Dear AutoRacing1.com, My brother, who works for a prominent data acquisition mfg. for NASCAR/GRAND AM/World Challenge says that they are extremely busy with a new IROC type series based in the Middle East and that they are testing NASCAR-type engines on the dyno here in the US for the series to start this summer for ex-F1 drivers, etc. in a NASCAR type road racing series. As far as he knows it is not sanctioned by IROC or NASCAR (yet), but this just strengthens the idea of the reach NASCAR is trying to grab onto for worldwide domination with its stock car racing. I just wish open wheel would get it together and merge already before open-wheel becomes a forgone memory. Name withheld