MEXICO CITY (AP) — Denny Hamlin will miss NASCAR’s first international race of the modern era to remain in North Carolina following the birth of his child.

Ryan Truex will replace him Sunday in Mexico City.

“See you guys in Pocono,” Hamlin posted on social media. “We are happy to announce the birth of our son. Everyone is doing well. My main priority is to be here at home for Jordan and our family over the next few days when she is able to go home and we transition to life as a family of five.”

Hamlin and fiancee Jordan Fish now have three children, two daughters and a son born Wednesday. Hamlin had been on baby watch the last 12 days as Fish went nearly two weeks past her predicted due date.

He had planned to get out of the car at Michigan last Sunday if she went into labor early in the race, but when the first stage passed with no word, he went on to score his third win of the season. The victory was the 57th of his career and made him the all-time winningest driver at Joe Gibbs Racing.

Through 15 races this season, Hamlin ranks third in the overall Cup Series standings.

Truex, younger brother of former JGR full-time driver Martin Truex Jr., is Gibbs’ reserve driver. His last Cup Series start was in 2014 and he has 26 starts at NASCAR’s top level.

Hamlin will need NASCAR to grant him a waiver to be eligible to compete in the playoffs for the Cup Series championship. NASCAR during the offseason tightened the rules for granting waivers, but said it would permit a driver skipping an event for the birth of a child.

The 44-year-old Hamlin will snap his streak of 406 consecutive starts. Hamlin last missed a race in 2014 at California Speedway because of an eye irritation.

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MEXICO CITY — NASCAR had to change this weekend’s schedule at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez after two planes carrying Cup and Xfinity team members were grounded in Charlotte, delaying the arrival of some drivers and team members.

Xfinity practice scheduled for Friday has been moved to Saturday morning. Cup practice has been moved back Friday afternoon. Because of changes Saturday, Cup qualifying has been moved back that day.

Sunday’s Cup race has not been changed. It is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on Prime.

An apparent mechanical problem caused an issue with one of the planes carrying NASCAR team members on takeoff Thursday in Charlotte, North Carolina. A second plane carrying team members was found to have an issue.

Xfinity driver Ryan Ellis stated on social media that the “plane attempted takeoff, plane made a small boom, we are headed back.”

Xfinity driver Austin Green stated on social media that “the engine blew up going down the runway to Mexico City.”

Ryan Truex will drive the No. 11 car for Denny Hamlin at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

Some members of Haas Factory Team headed to Atlanta and were going to fly commercial to Mexico. Green posted on social media that he was flying commercial out of Raleigh, North Carolina

Here is the updated schedule for Friday and Saturday

FRIDAY

— No Xfinity practice.

— The two Cup practices are moved back to 4:05 p.m. ET (50-minute session) and 5:30 p.m. ET (25 minutes).

— The NASCAR Mexico Series race has been moved up to 1:30 p.m. ET.

SATURDAY

— The Xfinity Series will have a 50-minute practice session starting at 11:05 a.m. ET.

— Xfinity qualifying will be held at 12:10 p.m. ET.

— Cup qualifying moves to 2:05 p.m. ET.

— The Xfinity race remains at 4:30 p.m. ET.

— The NASCAR Mexico Series race moves to 7 p.m. ET.

As the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season heats up, teams are thrilled to head to Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park, one of the most popular stops on the NHRA circuit, for the 19th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals on June 26-29.

One of the premier races on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour, the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals has long been a must-see event for drag racing fans. The state-of-the-art facility at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park provides the perfect stage for heart-pounding competition, capped off by the legendary Friday night fireworks show following pro qualifying.

A highlight for every racer at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals is the billet aluminum ice cream scoop, which goes to the winners of the race along with the traditional NHRA Wally trophy.

“The Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals is going to be outstanding, out of this world and off the charts,” said Bill Bader, Summit Motorsports Park President. “Summit Motorsports Park and NHRA are working very closely together to ensure this event will excite on every level and will appeal to all ages. There will be action and activities around every corner, whether fans choose to be in the stands or in the pit area. This is a can’t-miss offering.”

This year’s event promises even more excitement, as the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals plays host to the GETTRX Pro Stock NHRA All-Star Callout for the first time. This specialty event will feature eight Pro Stock drivers battling for top honors, including reigning six-time champion Greg Anderson, in a bonus race that features a big purse and a unique callout format. Anderson will have his pick of the eight-car field made up of Dallas Glenn, Matt Hartford, standout Aaron Stanfield, multi-time champions Erica Enders and Jeg Coughlin, Eric Latino and Troy Coughlin Jr.

“In addition to favorite classes like Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, Pro Stock Motorcycle and others, we are proud that our stop on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour features the GETTRX Pro Stock NHRA All-Star Callout,” Bader said. “The Callout absolutely adds to the adrenaline, with eight drivers giving it everything they have to win prizes and pick up points toward a championship, and our guests will have a front row seat for it.”

Add in nitro at night on Friday, the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday and eliminations on Sunday at the picturesque facility and it’s an action-packed weekend with non-stop excitement.

The 2024 event saw Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Bob Tasca III (Funny Car), Aaron Stanfield (Pro Stock), and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) emerge victorious, solidifying their places as top contenders heading into the 2025 season. Meanwhile, Doug Kalitta, Austin Prock, Anderson and Richard Gadson claimed wins in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge.

The race will again be broadcast on the FOX broadcast network with qualifying and the GETTRX Pro Stock NHRA All-Star Callout coverage on FS1 and eliminations on FOX at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 29.

Brown secured his second Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals win last season when he defeated Doug Kalitta. Brown currently sits third in the Top Fuel points thanks to his win at the season opener in Gainesville. Leading the points is motorsports legend and 2024 NHRA Rookie of the Year Tony Stewart. Shawn Langdon is second, while other stars include Brittany Force, Justin Ashley and Clay Millican.

Tasca scooped up his second Norwalk win over Ron Capps at last year’s race. This season’s Funny Car field continues to be led by reigning champion Prock and his John Force Racing teammate Jack Beckman. Others to watch in the class will be four-time champion Matt Hagan, Phoenix winner Paul Lee, who is second in points, and Gainesville winner Chad Green.

Pro Stock standout Stanfield took home his first win from Summit Motorsports Park last year, but this season has been dominated by Anderson and Glenn. Anderson has four wins and the points lead, while Glenn has three victories in what has been an impressive season by the KB Titan Racing teammates.

Two-time reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle champ Herrera took the win last year over his rival Matt Smith. Herrera continues to lead the field, while others to look for at Norwalk will be Gadson, who won in Bristol, Angie Smith, Jianna Evaristo and Chase Van Sant.

Also on the track will be the standouts in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock.

All weekend, fans will be invited to the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits. The stage hosts Nitro School, meet and greets, autograph sessions and more. Norwalk race fans can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce each driver and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. Fans are also invited to congratulate the winners at the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday.

As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars, get autographs and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 5 and 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, June 27, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, June 28 at 12 and 2:30 p.m. Eliminations will begin at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, June 29. The first round of the GETTRX Pro Stock All-Star Callout takes place at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 28, with the semifinals at 1:20 p.m. and the finals at 3:50 p.m.

Television coverage includes qualifying action at 7 p.m. ET on Friday and 11 a.m. on Sunday on FS1, leading into eliminations on FOX at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday. The Callout will be broadcast at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday on FS1.

To purchase tickets to the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. For more information on NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

This story was originally published on June 12, 2025.

For 2026, KTM will build 150 units of the limited edition KTM 450 RALLY REPLICA dirt bike. KTM will also produce five ultra-exclusive units of the KTM 450 RALLY REPLICA SANDERS EDITION. From Malle Moto privateers to Rally2 and RallyGP riders, the KTM 450 RALLY REPLICA has proven itself. KTM developed this bike using insights from Dakar champions like Marc Coma, Matthias Walkner, Toby Price, Kevin Benavides and Daniel Sanders. The result is a machine that represents the peak of Rally Raid engineering and competition.

KTM completely overhauled the model ahead of the latest Dakar Rally, which Sanders won in dominant fashion. Edgar Canet added an impressive Rally2 class victory for KTM at the same event. Emanuel Gyenes also secured victory in the “unsupported” Original by Motul class riding a KTM 450 RALLY REPLICA. He completed an all-KTM class podium that reinforced the bike’s competitive edge.

Built to Conquer Any Terrain

KTM powered the bike with a proven 450 cc SOHC fuel-injected engine and six-speed gearbox. The premium KTM hydraulic clutch enhances durability and control under tough conditions. Dual radiators provide consistent cooling in extreme environments and long-distance rally stages. KTM’s Motorsports facility hand-welded the laser-cut, hydro-formed frame sections for strength and feedback. The frame ensures energy absorption and straight-line stability for rally racers. A die-cast aluminum swingarm adds balance, stiffness and resilience over rugged terrain.

KTM designed three tanks — two front and one rear — with a combined 34.5-liter fuel capacity. This setup prepares riders for demanding rally stages without frequent refueling stops. The 2026 model includes WP PRO COMPONENTS suspension for maximum comfort and race-ready adjustability. KTM mounted the 48-millimeter WP XACT PRO 7548 fork using CNC-machined 23-millimeter offset triple clamps. The upper clamp integrates KTM’s PHDS system and a SCOTTS steering damper for steering control. At the rear, the WP XACT PRO 7750 fully adjustable shock adds stability and rider confidence.

KTM spent more than a decade refining the cockpit to maximize rider comfort and endurance. A specially designed fairing reduces wind turbulence and rider fatigue during long rally stages. A carbon fiber navigation tower integrates perfectly with KTM’s rally dashboard. The dashboard includes built-in warning lights and mounting points for a digital roadbook system.

KTM fitted a powerful LED headlight package for early starts and late-night rides to the bivouac. The bike includes essential safety tools built directly into the chassis. KTM engineered the bike for high output, low weight and nimble handling in varied terrain. Riders can confidently tackle everything from rocky ravines to open desert dunes.

2026 KTM 450 RALLY REPLICA – Highlights

• Limited edition READY TO RACE model with only 150 units available
• Unrivaled 450 cc SOHC fuel-injected engine
• Race-spec chassis developed through competition
• WP XACT PRO 48-millimeter closed cartridge forks (cone valve)
• WP XACT PRO fully adjustable shock
• Premium-quality Akrapovič titanium exhaust system
• Purposely designed for multi-stage cross-country competition

2026 KTM 450 RALLY REPLICA SANDERS EDITION – Highlights

• Ultra-exclusive model — only five (5) units produced and available
• Full factory Red Bull livery
• Daniel Sanders sticker kit, including signed front start numberplate sticker
• Limited edition emblem on the frame, individually numbered 001-005
• Factory special Selle Dalla Valle seat
• Full factory rim set with Michelin race tires
• Additional rim set with homologated street tires
• Factory brake discs
• Factory Daniel Sanders fuel caps with engraved name
• Factory Hinson clutch cover
• Factory-painted handguards
• Two height options of factory tank pads
• Carbon chain sliders
• Factory titanium footpegs
• Laser-engraved Akrapovič titanium exhaust system
• Daniel Sanders–signed race jersey
• Extra windshield with custom name and start number of the future owner
• VIP Package including exclusive participation at the 2025 KTM EUROPE ADVENTURE RALLY 
• Opportunity to ride alongside Daniel Sanders at the 2025 KTM EUROPE ADVENTURE RALLY  

VIP Experience for Sanders Edition Buyers

KTM includes a VIP Package featuring access to the 2025 KTM EUROPE ADVENTURE RALLY. Buyers get the chance to ride alongside Daniel Sanders at the Romania-based rally. The rally will take place from August 25–29, 2025. KTM’s Factory Team will attend with its truck and dedicated support mechanic. Each of the five Sanders Edition bikes will be handed over personally by Daniel Sanders.

KTM developed, built and assembled both models at its official motorsports facility in Austria. KTM created these purpose-built machines specifically for elite rally racers around the world. Visit your local authorized KTM dealer to reserve yours before they sell out.

MEXICO CITY — Denny Hamlin will not race at the inaugural Cup Series event this weekend in Mexico City after the birth of his son Wednesday.

Joe Gibbs Racing reserve driver Ryan Truex will drive the No. 11 Cup car at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Denny Hamlin’s family has expanded following the birth of his son this week.

The son was the third child for Hamlin and fiancée Jordan Fish.

“We are happy to announce the birth of our son,” Hamlin said in a statement. “Everyone is doing well. My main priority is to be here at home for Jordan and our family over the next few days when she is able to go home and we transition to life as a family of five.

“I appreciate everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing, our partners, and our fans for the support over the last few weeks and I look forward to being back at the track next weekend in Pocono.”

JGR will have to ask for a waiver from NASCAR for Hamlin to remain playoff eligible despite missing a race. NASCAR implemented a policy earlier this year that only a waiver granted for medical reasons would allow a driver to retain all playoff points earned during the regular season. The birth of a child is expected to be included in that.

“JGR supports Hamlin in his decision,” the team said in its news release announcing Truex would race the car.

Truex, the younger brother of former JGR driver Martin Truex Jr., spends several hours each week in a racing simulator to help JGR with its baseline setups and has been on standby the last couple of weeks as Fish’s due date was last week.

Hamlin won last Sunday at Michigan, his third win of the year.

“If [the birth] causes me to miss a race, it’s one of 701 races that I missed and it’s just not that big of a deal,” Hamlin said at the time.

Hamlin has made 406 consecutive starts, having last missed a race in 2014 when he missed the race at California Speedway because of an object in his eye. It will be Truex’s first Cup start since 2014, when he competed in 23 races for BK Racing. 

Bob Pockrass covers NASCAR and IndyCar for FOX Sports. He has spent decades covering motorsports, including over 30 Daytona 500s, with stints at ESPN, Sporting News, NASCAR Scene magazine and The (Daytona Beach) News-Journal. Follow him on Twitter @bobpockrass.

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Round 16 of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season takes the top level of the sport to a place where they’ve never been before — Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City. It will also be the first points-paying Cup race outside of the United States since 1958.

William Byron leads the regular season standings, 41 points clear of Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson. Denny Hamlin is the most recent winner, claiming victory at Michigan. The Xfinity Series raced in Mexico City for a few yers between 2005 and 2008 and Hamlin is just one of three active Cup drivers who took part in at least one of those events.

News of the week

This week, Ram confirmed its highly anticipated return to the NASCAR Truck Series. NASCAR officials also indicated that they are “very close” to securing a fifth manufacturer, but discussions are ongoing.

It was also revealed that the Xfinity race in Mexico City will feature three Mexican-born drivers. Along with Daniel Suarez, 2024 ARCA champion Andres Perez De Lara and 2020 NASCAR Mexico Series champion Ruben Rovelo will be making their debut.

What is the NASCAR at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez her schedule?

(Schedule is tentative and subject to change)

Friday, June 13th

1:05pm EST — NASCAR Cup practice #1 — PRIME VIDEO

2:05pm EST — NASCAR Xfinity practice #1 — THE CW APP

3:00pm EST — NASCAR Cup practice #2 — PRIME VIDEO

3:3Opm EST – NASCAR Xfinity practice #2 — THE CW APP

4:30pm EST – NASCAR Mexico Series race #1 (50 laps) — YOUTUBE

Saturday, June 14th

10:30am EST — NASCAR Xfinity Series qualifying — THE CW APP

12pm EST — NASCAR Cup Series qualifying — PRIME VIDEO

1:45pm EST – NASCAR Mexico Series race #2 (50 laps) — YOUTUBE

4:30pm EST – NASCAR Xfinity Series race (65 laps) — THE CW

Sunday, June 15th

3pm EST — NASCAR Cup Series race (100 laps) — PRIME VIDEO

Daniel Suarez fans with Mexican flag

Photo by: Chris Williams Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

How can I watch the NASCAR Cup Series in Mexico?

• Date: Sunday, June 15th
• TV start time: 3:00 p.m. ET
• Laps/Miles: 100 laps / 241 miles
• Green flag: 3:23pm EST 
• TV channel: PRIME VIDEO | TSN (Canada) | Other international viewing options
• Live stream: In-car cameras on MAX
• Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Who is racing in Viva Mexico 250 at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez?

There are 37 entries for the Cup race with one open entry. That will be Katherine Legge, driving the No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet. Legge will be making his second Cup start of the year, following her Cup Series debut at Phoenix. To learn more about the Cup field or see the 39 drivers competing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday, CLICK HERE.

NASCAR Cup Mexico City entry list