Shane Van Gisbergen drives during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Hermanos Rodríguez race track in Mexico City, Sunday, June 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Very little went right for Shane Van Gisbergen in the buildup to NASCAR’s first international Cup Series points-paying race of the modern era.

A mechanical issue on takeoff forced his team charter to abort the initial journey to Mexico City. He arrived at the venue Friday, a day late, and after winning the pole Saturday, the New Zealander fell seriously ill.

He was sleeping on the floor of his hauler before Sunday’s race, unsure he’d be able to physically complete the 100-lap event at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

But there’s something special about the Kiwi and new venues, especially in the rain, and he salvaged the weekend by winning on the road course to earn an automatic berth into NASCAR’s playoffs.

Van Gisbergen led 60 of 100 laps and beat Christopher Bell by 16.567 seconds.

“I tried to treat it like when I go to Asia, just drink bottled water and be careful in the shower and brush your teeth with bottled water, but I just went downhill,” Van Gisbergen said. “Couldn’t keep anything in. Everything just went straight through me. I felt really queasy and my mind was there, but my body just had so much pressure in my stomach. Crazy weekend and everyone dug deep.”

It was the second Cup Series victory of his career. He won in his NASCAR debut at the inaugural 2023 street course race in Chicago — a victory that changed his career trajectory. Van Gisbergen left Australia V8 Supercars, where he was a multiple champion, for a full-time move to NASCAR.

Although he had success in the Xfinity Series — he won three races last year as Trackhouse Racing developed him for a Cup Series ride — Van Gisbergen has struggled this year at NASCAR’s top level.

He started the race ranked 33rd in the Cup standings with only one top-10 finish through the first 15 races of the season. But his victory in Mexico City revived his season and gives him a shot to race for the Cup Series championship.

“It means everything to us, this is why I’m here,” Van Gisbergen said. “I am getting better and more competitive. We’re really making a lot of progress.”

Van Gisbergen celebrated in his traditional rugby-style way — he drop-kicked a signed football into the grandstands and then said he had recovered enough to enjoy “some Red Bulls mixed with adult beverages” later Sunday.

Van Gisbergen benefitted from an early pop-up rain shower on the first lap of the race because he’s an exceptionally skilled driver on a wet surface. His win at Chicago was in monsoon-like conditions.

Trackhouse now has two of its drivers — Ross Chastain and Van Gisbergen — locked into the playoffs. But it was a bit of a disappointment for Daniel Suarez, the Monterrey native who thrilled the hometown crowd with a win in the Xfinity Series race on Saturday, as he failed to challenge his teammate for the win and finished 19th.

“I wish I was in the mix fighting for it a little more, but it just wasn’t in the cards,” Suarez said. “Every single thing about this weekend exceeded my expectations, the people, the fans, the sponsors, the excitement, the energy.

“I had expectations for this weekend, not the results but, like, the event, and I can tell you that I personally exceeded those expectations,” he added. “So very, very happy for that. Very blessed. I hope that we can do it many more times.”

Suarez, who appeared to be blinking back tears as he sang along with the Mexican national anthem in pre-race ceremonies, desperately wanted the home win in this contract year with Trackhouse. He was the face of this event as NASCAR ventured outside the U.S. with its top series for the first time since 1958.

Bell finished second in a Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. He was followed by Chase Elliott in a Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. Alex Bowman, who hurt his back in a crash last week at Michigan, withstood the pain for a fourth-place finish in his Hendrick Chevrolet.

Michael McDowell of Spire Motorsports was fifth and followed by John Hunter Nemechek in a Toyota for Legacy Motor Club. Chase Briscoe of JGR was seventh and followed by Cole Custer for Haas Factory as the highest-finishing Ford driver. William Byron of Hendrick was ninth and Chris Buescher of RFK Racing rounded out the top 10.

Chevrolets took five of the top-10 positions, including the victory.

Stenhouse vs. Hocevar

The ongoing feud between Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Carson Hocevar continued after the race as a furious Stenhouse reached inside Hocevar’s cockpit on pit road.

He seemed to grab at Hocevar as he spoke to him, then slapped at his helmet as Stenhouse walked away. It wasn’t clear what Stenhouse was upset about, but he’s been furious with Hocevar for three consecutive weeks, dating to contact between the two at Nashville.

Hocevar’s in-car camera captured the audio of the confrontation.

“I’m going to beat your (butt),” Stenhouse threatened. “You’re a lap down, you’ve got nothing to do. Why you run right into me? It’s the second time. I’m going to beat your (butt) when we get back to the States.”

Hocevar said after the race he couldn’t really hear Stenhouse.

“I know he was very mad and I was very apologetic,” Hocevar said. “I got in the marbles and slid a lot longer than I expected to. Number one, not somebody I would ever want to hit again. But number two, I was basically just logging laps. I tried to turn left and avoid him. Just a really sloppy day for me.”

Gordon gives command

NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon was selected to give the command for drivers to start their engines and admitted before the race he’d done some practicing.

Why? Because he incorporated both English and Spanish in his delivery of the most famous words in racing.

“Hola Mexico!” Gordon shouted. “Pilotos start your engines!

Up Next

NASCAR races next Sunday at Pocono Raceway, where Ryan Blaney won last year.

By Angelica Medina

Mexico City (Reuters) -Shane van Gisbergen powered his way to victory through rain and chaos on Sunday, claiming the inaugural Viva Mexico 250 as NASCAR made its debut at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in the Mexican capital.

The New Zealander steered his No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet from pole position to the chequered flag in a thrilling race affected by the weather, which forced teams to make frantic changes to their tyre strategy as conditions evolved.

The defining moment came on lap 52, when Van Gisbergen, chasing race leader Christopher Bell, made a bold move through a tight corner.

The two drivers touched wheels before Van Gisbergen powered past, securing a lead he wouldn’t relinquish despite Bell’s determined pursuit in the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota.

Bell had to settle for second place, while Chase Elliott, driving the No. 9 Chevrolet ZL1 for Hendrick Motorsports, claimed third place after battling with his teammate, Alex Bowman, in the closing laps.

The home crowd erupted midway through the race when local hero Daniel Suarez briefly took the lead, prompting a thunderous roar from the grandstands adorned with Mexican flags.

However, the euphoria proved short-lived as Suarez ultimately faded to finish 19th.

For Van Gisbergen, a three-time Australian Supercars champion who is still building his reputation in American stock car racing, the victory is another significant breakthrough, following his triumph at the Chicago Street Race in 2023.

(Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico CityEditing by Toby Davis)

As day turned into night, the NTT IndyCar Series drivers were told to start their engines for the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 in St. Louis. Right off the bat, there was action all across the track, and it didn’t let up until the moment the chequered flag waved. 

St. Louis’ Night Race Was A Breath of Fresh Air As Kyle Kirkwood Wins His First Oval Race

After being dubbed the “King of The Streets” Kyle Kirkwood is making his mark on an oval. He remains the only other driver aside from Alex Palou to win a race in the 2025 season.  

What started off as a race where Team Penske was expected to dominate ended up in another show-stopping stint for the Andretti Global driver. Kirkwood led in the race’s later stages but was hovering around the top ten for most of the night. 

Pato O’Ward and Christian Rasmussen Score Podium Finishes 

On the other side of things, Chevrolet has yet to get a constructor’s win this season. O’Ward started the race from fifth on the grid. He got close to securing the win tonight before a few chaotic laps sent him down the grid. 

O’Ward worked his way back up and was chasing Kirkwood down for the lead. He got close to him during the second-to-last lap, but ultimately Kirkwood managed to pull ahead and increase his margin that extra bit more to secure his win. 

P2 for Pato O’Ward. He’s with @jack_harvey93. pic.twitter.com/y5qN9VX8cq

— INDYCAR on FOX (@IndyCarOnFOX) June 16, 2025

Christian Rasmussen pulled off a stellar drive. He moved up 22 places during the race to come in third. Although he faced a couple of challenges, including his car catching fire, Rasmussen made over 70 overtakes to make his way up to third. 

This is Rasmussen’s best career finish as well as his first time scoring a podium. 

Collisions for Foster and Newgarden 

Louis Foster had a bit of bad luck in St. Louis after losing control and going into the wall, which brought his race to a premature end. Josef Newgarden was attempting to avoid Foster’s car, but in doing so, the two made contact. 

Newgarden’s car flipped upside down and nearly went over the wall and into the pits. 

Both drivers were taken to the medical center and released without any major injuries. 

Both Josef Newgarden and Louis Foster are okay after this scary wreck at WWT Raceway. pic.twitter.com/s2OhHPEWib

— INDYCAR on FOX (@IndyCarOnFOX) June 16, 2025

Other Notable Moments in St. Louis

The first caution of the race was brought out during lap four. Devlin DeFrancesco lost control while entering turn one, which sent him into the barrier. The team over at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing were able to fix the rear wing. DeFrancesco rejoined the race despite being 33 laps down. 

The second caution was brought after an issue for Will Power. After exiting the car, Power experienced failure with his front right tire. He went into the wall at turn four but managed to drive his car back into the pit lane before retiring. 

During the caution that came out after Power’s accident, a load of chaos went down in the pits. Christian Lundgaard overestimated where to stop and had trouble getting into his pit box. Amid all the confusion Christian Rasmussen was leaving his pit box when his car caught on fire. 

IndyCar goes racing again next week. They take on Road America with the green flag waving at 1:30 p.m. As usual, Last Word on Motorsports will have coverage before and after the race 

Read Next: Road America 2024: How Will Power ended his 2-year win drought

Main Photo: Karl Zemlin, Penske Entertainment

Recording Date: 6/15/2025

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Very little went right for Shane Van Gisbergen in the buildup to NASCAR’s first international Cup Series points-paying race of the modern era.

A mechanical issue on takeoff forced his team charter to abort the initial journey to Mexico City. He arrived at the venue Friday, a day late, and after winning the pole Saturday, the New Zealander fell seriously ill.

He was sleeping on the floor of his hauler before Sunday’s race, unsure he’d be able to physically complete the 100-lap event at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

But there’s something special about the Kiwi and new venues, especially in the rain, and he salvaged the weekend by winning on the road course to earn an automatic berth into NASCAR’s playoffs.

Van Gisbergen led 60 of 100 laps and beat Christopher Bell by 16.567 seconds.

“I tried to treat it like when I go to Asia, just drink bottled water and be careful in the shower and brush your teeth with bottled water, but I just went downhill,” Van Gisbergen said. “Couldn’t keep anything in. Everything just went straight through me. I felt really queasy and my mind was there, but my body just had so much pressure in my stomach. Crazy weekend and everyone dug deep.”

It was the second Cup Series victory of his career. He won in his NASCAR debut at the inaugural 2023 street course race in Chicago — a victory that changed his career trajectory. Van Gisbergen left Australia V8 Supercars, where he was a multiple champion, for a full-time move to NASCAR.

Although he had success in the Xfinity Series — he won three races last year as Trackhouse Racing developed him for a Cup Series ride — Van Gisbergen has struggled this year at NASCAR’s top level.

He started the race ranked 33rd in the Cup standings with only one top-10 finish through the first 15 races of the season. But his victory in Mexico City revived his season and gives him a shot to race for the Cup Series championship.

“It means everything to us, this is why I’m here,” Van Gisbergen said. “I am getting better and more competitive. We’re really making a lot of progress.”

Van Gisbergen celebrated in his traditional rugby-style way — he drop-kicked a signed football into the grandstands and then said he had recovered enough to enjoy “some Red Bulls mixed with adult beverages” later Sunday.

Van Gisbergen benefitted from an early pop-up rain shower on the first lap of the race because he’s an exceptionally skilled driver on a wet surface. His win at Chicago was in monsoon-like conditions.

Trackhouse now has two of its drivers — Ross Chastain and Van Gisbergen — locked into the playoffs. But it was a bit of a disappointment for Daniel Suarez, the Monterrey native who thrilled the hometown crowd with a win in the Xfinity Series race on Saturday, as he failed to challenge his teammate for the win and finished 19th.

“I wish I was in the mix fighting for it a little more, but it just wasn’t in the cards,” Suarez said. “Every single thing about this weekend exceeded my expectations, the people, the fans, the sponsors, the excitement, the energy.

“I had expectations for this weekend, not the results but, like, the event, and I can tell you that I personally exceeded those expectations,” he added. “So very, very happy for that. Very blessed. I hope that we can do it many more times.”

Suarez, who appeared to be blinking back tears as he sang along with the Mexican national anthem in pre-race ceremonies, desperately wanted the home win in this contract year with Trackhouse. He was the face of this event as NASCAR ventured outside the U.S. with its top series for the first time since 1958.

Bell finished second in a Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. He was followed by Chase Elliott in a Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. Alex Bowman, who hurt his back in a crash last week at Michigan, withstood the pain for a fourth-place finish in his Hendrick Chevrolet.

Michael McDowell of Spire Motorsports was fifth and followed by John Hunter Nemechek in a Toyota for Legacy Motor Club. Chase Briscoe of JGR was seventh and followed by Cole Custer for Haas Factory as the highest-finishing Ford driver. William Byron of Hendrick was ninth and Chris Buescher of RFK Racing rounded out the top 10.

Chevrolets took five of the top-10 positions, including the victory.

Stenhouse vs. Hocevar

The ongoing feud between Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Carson Hocevar continued after the race as a furious Stenhouse reached inside Hocevar’s cockpit on pit road.

He seemed to grab at Hocevar as he spoke to him, then slapped at his helmet as Stenhouse walked away. It wasn’t clear what Stenhouse was upset about, but he’s been furious with Hocevar for three consecutive weeks, dating to contact between the two at Nashville.

Hocevar’s in-car camera captured the audio of the confrontation.

“I’m going to beat your (butt),” Stenhouse threatened. “You’re a lap down, you’ve got nothing to do. Why you run right into me? It’s the second time. I’m going to beat your (butt) when we get back to the States.”

Hocevar said after the race he couldn’t really hear Stenhouse.

“I know he was very mad and I was very apologetic,” Hocevar said. “I got in the marbles and slid a lot longer than I expected to. Number one, not somebody I would ever want to hit again. But number two, I was basically just logging laps. I tried to turn left and avoid him. Just a really sloppy day for me.”

Gordon gives command

NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon was selected to give the command for drivers to start their engines and admitted before the race he’d done some practicing.

Why? Because he incorporated both English and Spanish in his delivery of the most famous words in racing.

“Hola Mexico!” Gordon shouted. “Pilotos start your engines!

Up Next

NASCAR races next Sunday at Pocono Raceway, where Ryan Blaney won last year.

The checkered flag is out for the NASCAR Mexico City race.

Shane van Gisbergen won the Viva Mexico 250 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, the first international NASCAR Cup Series race since 1998 and the first points paying NASCAR Cup Series race since 1958.

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This is van Gisbergen’s second career win in the NASCAR Cup Series, earning his first in the 2023 Chicago street race. It’s his first as a full-time Cup Series driver in his second season.

Ryan Preece won the first stage of the race and van Gisbergen won the second, each earning their first stage wins of the 2025 season.

The race had six cautions for 16 laps and 14 lead changes. Kyle Larson ran the fastest lap of the race and earned an extra point.

Here are the results for the NASCAR Mexico City race.

HOW IT HAPPENED: NASCAR Cup Series race at Mexico City: Live updates, highlights, leaderboard for the Viva Mexico 250

Who won NASCAR Mexico City race? Winner, race results for Viva Mexico 250 Cup Series race

The unofficial full running order, results from NASCAR Cup Series Viva Mexico 250 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

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1. Shane van Gisbergen, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

2. Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

3. Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

4. Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

5. Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

6. John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42 Legacy Motor Club Toyota

7. Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

8. Cole Custer, No. 41 Haas Factory Team Ford

9. William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

10. Chris Buescher, No. 17 Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford

11. Ty Gibbs, No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

12. Bubba Wallace, No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota

13. AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

14. Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Team Penske Ford

15. Ryan Preece, No. 60 RFK Racing Ford

16. Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

17. Erik Jones, No. 43 Legacy Motor Club Toyota

18. Austin Cindric, No. 2 Team Penske Ford

19. Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

20. Tyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota

21. Joey Logano, No. 22 Team Penske Ford

22. Todd Gilliland, No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford

23. Ryan Truex, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

24. Justin Haley, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

25. Brad Keselowski, No. 6 Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford

26. Josh Berry, No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford

27. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 HYAK Motorsports Chevrolet

28. Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

29. Riley Herbst, No. 35 23XI Racing Toyota

30. Noah Gragson, No. 4 Front Row Motorsports Ford

31. Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Ford

32. Katherine Legge, No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet

33. Ty Dillon, No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

34. Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

35. Zane Smith, No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford

36. Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

37. Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR Mexico City results: Shane van Gisbergen is winner Sunday

The NASCAR Cup Series playoff standings and Cup points have been updated after the race in Mexico City. There are now 10 races remaining before the playoffs begin on Aug. 31.

Drivers who are on the outside looking in of the playoff standings need to make a move soon to secure a spot in the postseason. Here’s a look at the updated playoff standings and Cup points after the Viva Mexico 250.

NASCAR playoff standings after Mexico City

Shane van Gisbergen won the NASCAR Cup Series race in Mexico City, which means he has clinched a playoff spot. He became the 10th different driver to win a Cup Series race this year.

Kyle Busch didn’t finish the race because he was involved in a wreck. After being tied for the final playoff spot last week, Busch slipped to 20th in the playoff standings and is now 50 points below the cut line.

Cup points updated after Mexico City race

Kyle Larson finished 36th at Mexico City, which gave William Byron a bigger lead in Cup points. By the look of things, Byron is on his way to winning the regular season title.

Denny Hamlin dropped a couple of spots because he didn’t compete in the Mexico City race. A few days before the race, Hamlin announced the birth of his son, and he skipped the race to be with his family.