¡Vamos! NASCAR brings its premier Cup Series south of the border this week for its first international points race since 1958, as well as the first-ever Cup Series event in Mexico.

This season’s signature new event marks a significant step in NASCAR’s international plans and a key test to determine if the sport’s popularity in the United States, with its unique stock car brand, can be translated elsewhere.

The timing is especially good given NASCAR has a Mexico native on one of the top teams: Daniel Suárez, who is a two-time Cup Series race winner for Trackhouse Racing — a resume which includes a road course victory at Sonoma Raceway.

The race will be held at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, on a road course most known for hosting Formula One grands prix. NASCAR has only slightly modified the track and will use an altered 2.49-mile layout versus F1’s 2.67-mile layout, rounding out a corner at Turn 4 and eliminating two corners there vs. the F1 configuration. The Cup Series will also have 29 more laps than the F1 race, making it significantly longer (242.9 miles compared to 189.7 miles for F1).

“You can see the excitement from the media people, the venue looks amazing, and I love Mexican food,” said Kyle Larson, who visited the track recently for a promotional event. “It’s going to be a great time, a great event and cool to go race in a different country in front of race fans who maybe have never seen us race in person.”

Before NASCAR makes its run for the border, here’s what you need to know about Mexico’s premier racing circuit.

How it all began

(Note: This section previously appeared in our F1 Mexico City Grand Prix circuit breakdown.)

The track’s origins are captured in its name, which quite literally translates to “autodrome of the Rodríguez brothers.”

Ricardo and Pedro Rodríguez helped increase the popularity of motorsport in Mexico. Their father served as an advisor to Mexican President Adolfo López Mateos, and he suggested the president create a motorsport circuit using existing internal roads in Mexico City’s Magdalena Mixiuhca sports park. The president agreed, and the circuit was built less than a year later.

But the Rodríguez brothers’ lives were marred by tragedy. F1 arrived in 1962 with a non-championship grand prix, but Ricardo Rodríguez died during practice when his car overturned and caught fire. Then, in 1971, Pedro Rodríguez suffered fatal injuries in a sports car race. The track was then officially named Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in the early 1970s.

F1 brought its first world championship event to the track in 1963, a race dominated by Jim Clark. The series stayed until the 1970s, but due to safety concerns, it was dropped until the mid-1980s. It underwent a renovation, and the sport returned from 1986 until 1992. But Mexico fell off the calendar until 2015.

Other racing series filled the void in the meantime, including CART (1980-81 and 2002-07) and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Xfinity raced there four times in the mid-2000s (races were won by Martin Truex Jr., Denny Hamlin, Juan Pablo Montoya and Kyle Busch) before leaving following the 2008 season.

But those NASCAR races were on a different layout; when F1 returned in 2015, it was reconfigured and now includes a famous cut-through of an old baseball stadium on the property.

— Madeline Coleman

High society

With Mexico City at an altitude of 7,350 feet, this will be the highest elevation race in Cup Series history.

That will require a significant challenge for engine builders, as the motors will generate significantly less horsepower in high altitude. It will also affect the cars’ cooling because water boils at a lower temperature at elevation, and they have options to run different louvers (vents) in the hoods.

It would also affect the drivers themselves, although drivers are split on how much preparation will be necessary.

Chase Briscoe, for example, said he has been sleeping in a hyperbaric chamber (which simulates the conditions felt by the body at high elevations). Briscoe said he hopes it will be helpful, because otherwise he’s been leaving his wife to take care of their young twins at night by herself for nothing.

“If we get to Mexico and all that was a waste of time, I’ll just be in the dog house,” Briscoe said. “You get good sleep because you’re not getting woken up by the kids, but it’s like 90 degrees in this tent. It smells like straight-up plastic.”

Briscoe has also been doing two-a-day workouts on Wednesdays and going to a heat room to try and build up his endurance. Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Christopher Bell said he’s also been doing some altitude training to prepare, just in case it’s necessary.

“The last thing I would want to do is get down there and not feel well and not be able to perform in the car,” Bell said.

Larson said he went for a run during his Mexico visit and didn’t think the extra exertion required was anything particularly notable. Similarly, Ryan Blaney said there wouldn’t be any acclimation process for him. When he visited Mexico City for his own media tour earlier this year, he was told it wouldn’t even be very hot by the time NASCAR returned (temperatures are expected to be in the low 70s with rain).

“I don’t think I’ll do anything differently,” Blaney said.

Bubba Wallace joked he would practice holding his breath and “see if I can get longer and longer.”

But Denny Hamlin scoffed at the notion altogether.

“I’m not soft like these guys,” Hamlin said. “I don’t get bothered by heat or get exhausted. I know the air is thinner and all that, and I know a lot of guys are preparing for it — as they should — but I will not be.”

— Jeff Gluck

NASCAR’s inaugural Cup Series race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez should look a lot different than F1’s annual grand prix on the circuit. (Chris Graythen / Getty Images)

How it will race

Similarly to Circuit of the Americas in Austin — the only other current track shared by both NASCAR and F1 — the cars will race dramatically differently.

In the esses, for example, F1 cars blow through there wide open. But Cup drivers believe they’ll have to meander through that section in second gear.

The famous stadium section (at left in the graphic above) has a turn which will require the Cup cars to slow down to a near stop (“like 30 mph,” Erik Jones estimated) and then make a large arc into the corner — somewhat like the new Charlotte Roval turn that caused some chaos last fall.

Chase Elliott said that could be a controversial turn because there’s no real way to protect against a dive bomb move.

“It’s kind of just, ‘How much respect do you have for your competitors?’ and, ‘How silly do you want to be?’” Elliott said. “Typically, if you’re around guys you share a lot of mutual respect with, you don’t see stupid stuff happen. And when stupid stuff does happen, it’s just a sign of someone who doesn’t respect somebody else. Typically, that is when that stuff gets out of hand.”

But in general, Blaney said, the course will suit NASCAR very well with multiple passing zones.

“They did a really good job on it,” he said. “It has all different aspects from high-speed straightaways, really heavy braking zones, flowy sections and then your really slow stadium section. It has all pieces of road courses we run mashed into one, so it looks like a great racetrack.”

— Jeff Gluck

(Top photo: Manuel Velasquez / Getty Images)

Brian Redman, a championship-winning sports car and formula car driver, will receive the 11th annual Cameron R. Argetsinger Award from the International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC) later this year.

Scheduled to receive the award on September 4, Redman will be honored for his universal contributions to help advance and improve the sport of motor racing, according to the IMRRC. He will also act as grand marshal at Watkins Glen International (WGI) for the SVRA Mission Foods Watkins Glen Speed Tour event on September 5.

Established in 2014, the CRA Award has been presented to such legends of the sport as Chip Ganassi, Roger Penske, Mario Andretti, Richard Petty, the France Family, Bobby Rahal, Lyn St. James, Mike Helton, Richard Childress and Zak Brown.

Although Redman retired as a pro driver following the 1989 season, he continues to race in vintage/historic events with a variety of historic race cars. He’s the owner of Targa 66, a club for owners of high-performance road and race cars, organizing competitive events around the country.

In 2002, Redman was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, and, in 2011, the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. He’s a past president of the Road Racing Drivers Club and a life member of the British Racing Drivers Club.

The award memorializes Cameron R. Argetsinger, who, in 1948, conceived, organized and drove in the first post-war road race in America through the roads of Watkins Glen. He brought Formula 1 to WGI in 1961 and the circuit hosted the United States Grand Prix for 20 years. He was president of the IMRRC for five years, until his death in 2008.

For more information, visit racingarchives.com.

By The Associated Press

All Times Eastern

NASCAR CUP SERIES

Viva Mexico 250

Site: Mexico City.

Track: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Race distance: 100 laps, 241 miles.

Schedule: Friday, practice, 1:05 p.m., practice, 3 p.m.; Saturday, qualifying, noon; Sunday, race, 3 p.m. (Prime Video and MAX).

Last year: Inaugural race.

Last race: After passing Byron with three to go, Denny Hamlin earned his third series victory alongside his 57th career win in Michigan.

Next race: June 22, Long Pond, Pennsylvania.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

NASCAR XFINITY SERIES

The Chilango 150

Site: Mexico City.

Track: Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Race distance: 65 laps, 157.3 miles.

Schedule: Friday, practice, 2:05 p.m., practice, 3:30 p.m.; Saturday, qualifying, 10:30 a.m., race, 4:30 p.m. (CW).

Last year: The previous race, which was held in 2008 and named the Corona Mexico 200, saw Kyle Busch earn the victory after passing Scott Pruett with 7 laps to go.

Last race: Justin Allgaier took the his third series win of the season in Nashville while holding off a late surge from rookie teammate Connor Zilisch.

Next race: June 21, Long Pond, Pennsylvania.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES

Last race: Stewart Friesen held off Enfinger late to secure the victory in Michigan, breaking a 72-race losing streak and grabbing his first win since 2022.

Next race: June 20, Long Pond, Pennsylvania.

Online: http://www.nascar.com

FORMULA ONE

Pirelli Grand Prix du Canada

Site: Montreal.

Track: Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.

Race distance: 70 laps, 189.6 miles.

Schedule: Friday, practice, 1:25 p.m., practice, 4:55 p.m.; Saturday, practice, 12:25 p.m., qualifying, 3:55 p.m.; Sunday, race, 2 p.m. (ABC).

Last year: Verstappen secured his 60th career win, taking the lead after a restart in a thrilling race that saw rain showers and a string of safety car appearances.

Last race: Oscar Piastri secured the victory and held off teammate Lando Norris in Spain to take back momentum after Norris’s previous win at Monaco.

Next race: June 29, Spielberg, Austria.

Online: http://www.formula1.com

INDYCAR

Bommarito Automotive Grand Prix

Site: Madison, Illinois.

Track: Worldwide Technology Raceway.

Race distance: 260 laps, 310.6 miles.

Schedule: Saturday, practice, 11:30 a.m., qualifying, 3 p.m. high line & final practice, 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, race, 8 p.m. (FOX).

Last year: Josef Newgarden took his fifth win out of nine visits to the Madison track, holding off teammate McLaughlin after a late restart with six laps to go.

Last race: Kyle Kirkwood surged ahead on a late restart in Detroit to take his second win of the season.

Next race: June 22, Elkhart, Wisconsin.

Online: http://www.indycar.com

NHRA DRAG RACING

Next race: June 22, North Dinwiddie, Virginia.

Online: http://www.nhra.com

WORLD OF OUTLAWS

Premier Chevy Dealers Clash – Night 1

Site: Knoxville, Iowa.

Track: Knoxville Raceway.

Premier Chevy Dealers Clash – Night 2

Site: Knoxville, Iowa.

Track: Knoxville Raceway.

Next events: June 18-23, Brandon, South Dakota, Pevely, Missouri, Independence, Iowa.

Online: http://worldofoutlaws.com

_____

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/apf-AutoRacing

Sports betting has long been an integral part of the sporting world, from football and basketball to tennis and boxing. But in recent years, a new contender has entered the betting spotlight—motorsports. As the engines roar and tires screech, fans are increasingly placing bets not just on who crosses the finish line first, but on everything from lap leaders to pit stop strategies. Speedway racing, in particular, has seen a notable rise in betting activity, driven by passionate fans and the thrilling unpredictability of each race.

One of the reasons motorsports have become so attractive to bettors is the high-stakes, fast-paced nature of the sport. Whether it’s NASCAR, IndyCar, or MotoGP, the outcome of a race can shift in seconds. A crash, mechanical failure, or unexpected pit stop can turn the tables, making it a goldmine for sharp bettors who follow racing trends, driver stats, and weather conditions. This complexity provides countless opportunities for both casual fans and seasoned gamblers to engage with the sport on a deeper level.

For those seeking broader betting opportunities, the best offshore sportsbooks have become a preferred option. These platforms often offer more competitive odds, a wider range of motorsport betting markets, and fewer restrictions than some domestic options. Additionally, they cater to a global audience, which is ideal for racing fans who follow events around the world, from the Daytona 500 to the Monaco Grand Prix. Security, user-friendly interfaces, and a history of reliable payouts have also contributed to the growing trust in offshore operators, making them a viable choice for motorsport betting enthusiasts.

In addition to traditional race winners, sportsbooks now offer a wide variety of betting markets tailored specifically for motorsports. These include prop bets on fastest laps, pole positions, number of caution flags, or even driver head-to-head matchups. The diversity of options allows bettors to strategize based on their knowledge and preference, creating a more immersive experience. With the expansion of live betting features, fans can even place wagers as the action unfolds on the track, adding an extra layer of excitement.

Technology has also played a crucial role in expanding the reach of motorsport betting. Mobile betting apps and digital platforms allow users to place bets from anywhere, whether they’re trackside, at home, or watching from a sports bar. The integration of real-time data, live race feeds, and in-depth analytics has revolutionized how fans engage with the sport. Social media has further amplified this trend, with online communities sharing tips, insights, and predictions, helping both novice and expert bettors stay informed.

The rise of legalized sports betting in various parts of the U.S. has further accelerated the popularity of motorsport wagering. States that have embraced online and retail sportsbooks have seen a boost in tax revenues and fan engagement. As more regions open their doors to legal betting, the motorsports industry is poised to benefit from increased exposure, sponsorships, and viewership. This symbiotic relationship between sports betting and motorsports is creating new revenue streams and drawing in a broader, more diverse fan base.

Looking ahead, the future of sports betting in motorsports looks promising. As regulations continue to evolve and technology advances, fans can expect even more innovative ways to bet on their favorite drivers and teams. From virtual reality betting environments to AI-driven predictive models, the intersection of motorsports and gambling is just getting started.

In conclusion, motorsport betting is shifting into high gear. With more betting markets, improved access through offshore sportsbooks, and growing acceptance across the U.S., racing fans have never had more opportunities to engage with the sport they love. Whether you’re a die-hard follower or a curious newcomer, the world of motorsport betting offers speed, strategy, and adrenaline in equal measure.

One of the most iconic titles in Late Model Stock Car racing just got a major upgrade. FloSports and NASCAR today announced that they will contribute $50,000 to the purse for the Virginia Triple Crown raising the overall champion purse to $20,000 – making it the richest prize in the event’s storied history. FloRacing will now also be the presenting partner of the Virginia Triple Crown.

FloRacing, has established itself as the nation’s leading destination for live and on-demand grassroots motorsports coverage and a significant investor in the success of regional racing. With FloRacing on board, this year’s Virginia Triple Crown isn’t just bigger – it’s bolder, better, and more competitive than ever.

“We’re thrilled to partner with NASCAR to elevate the Virginia Triple Crown to a whole new level,” said Michael Rigsby, GM of FloRacing. “Late Model racing has long been a core focus for FloRacing, and this partnership lets us invest directly in the drivers, teams, and fans who make it so special. We can’t wait to showcase this incredible three-race showdown to a national audience.”

“The Virginia Triple Crown is a celebration of short track culture – where many of NASCAR’s top stars got their start,” said Joey Dennewitz, managing director, NASCAR Regional. “With the support of FloRacing, we’re amplifying the reach and prestige of each event, creating more excitement for fans and more opportunity for drivers. It’s exactly the kind of grassroots investment that strengthens the future of our sport.”

The new payout structure extends to the top 10 finishers in the Virginia Triple Crown standings, up from just three in previous years:

• 1st – $20,000
• 2nd – $10,000
• 3rd – $7,500
• 4th – $5,000
• 5th – $2,500
• 6th–10th – $1,000 each

All payouts will be distributed following the final leg of the crown – the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 at Martinsville Speedway on Sept. 27.

The Virginia Triple Crown presented by FloRacing is determined by average finish across three of the region’s crown jewel events:

• June 28 – Thunder Road Harley-Davidson 200 at South Boston Speedway
• July 19 – Hampton Heat at Larry King Law’s Langley Speedway
• September 27 – ValleyStar Credit Union 300 at Martinsville Speedway

To be eligible for the championship and prize money, drivers must compete in all three events.

“With FloRacing’s involvement in the Virginia Triple Crown, what was already a most sought-after achievement for the drivers to win, at three of the most storied tracks in NASCAR, has a much larger presence,” said Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell. “While this extra incentive will attract more competitors, really, the fans are going to benefit. It’s hard for me to imagine the great racing and drama they will see at South Boston, Langley and Martinsville, whether in person at the track or watching on FloRacing. I’m looking forward to seeing who comes away with the Virginia Triple Crown when the checkered flag drops on the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 on September 27.”

“We’re excited to see the Triple Crown elevated to even greater heights this year and reward drivers who race all in three races,” said South Boston Speedway General Manager Brandon Brown. “We take so much pride in kicking off the Virginia Triple Crown at South Boston Speedway. Our race sets the tone every single year and this year it will mean more than ever. A great run in the Thunder Road Harley-Davidson 200 will be vital to anyone who wants to take home all the money after Martinsville.”

Larry King Law’s Langley Speedway owner and operator Bill Mullis said the sponsorship from FloRacing brings added prestige and value to the Triple Crown.

“This sponsorship adds to the already storied history of the Virginia Triple Crown and brings even more realization to its value and the value the Triple Crown has brought to Late Model Stock Car racing all these years,” Mullis remarked.

“I’m excited to be a part of this, knowing its humble beginnings. The tie between South Boston, Langley and Martinsville is so strong, and this makes it stronger.”

Past Triple Crown champions read like a who’s who of Late Model greatness, including:

• Peyton Sellers (5x champion – 2013, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2024)
• Lee Pulliam (2x champion – 2015, 2019)
• Trevor Ward (2023)
• Bobby McCarty (2021)
• Timothy Peters (2017)
• C.E. Falk III (2012)

Established in 2012, the Triple Crown has been a consistent proving ground for top-tier Late Model talent, paused only in 2016 and 2020.

Fans can watch every lap of the Virginia Triple Crown presented by FloRacing live or on demand with a FloRacing subscription at www.floracing.com or via the FloRacing app.

This summer, three tracks. Three races. One crown.

Let the battle begin.

About NASCAR 

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.

For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X and Facebook. 

NASCAR PR