By Jerry Jordan, Editor

MEXICO CITY – After one charter plane was delayed getting to Charlotte, N.C. and another charter plane had engine issues that sent crews from multiple teams back to their race shops on Thursday, NASCAR canceled Xfinity Series practice and altered Cup Series activities for Friday.

The problems began when one of the charter planes coming from Singapore, was delayed, according to a post on X by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Then, on Thursday morning, reports began filtering in that a second plane had an issue on takeoff and passengers heard, “a boom.” At first, it was believed the plane had blown a tire but the pilot told NASCAR teams he believed it was birdstrike that damaged one of the engines.

The plane was heading down the runway at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport and about to take flight, according to passengers on the plane, when it had to abort the takeoff. The aviation monitoring website, Flight Aware, confirmed delays for both planes heading to Mexico City; however, one of them, a Boeing 767, did take off at 3:56 p.m. EST. It landed safely at Mexico City Santa Lucía Airport, an airport south of the primary airport in Mexico City, where most commercial flights land.

According to Flight Aware, the planes are owned by Omni Air International, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. A phone call made after hours was sent to a voicemail system where a message was left.

NASCAR driver Ryan Ellis and teams from Trackhouse, DGM Racing, Haas Factory Team (Xfinity) and Sam Hunt Racing teams were on that plane.

On Lap 67 of the NASCAR Cup race at Michigan International Speedway, Hendrick Motorsports driver Alex Bowman was racing deep in the pack when he found himself in a bad situation. After contact from Cole Custer, he ended up slamming the outside wall in a head-on impact that lifted the rear tires off completely the ground. Bowman’s No. 48 Chevrolet hit the wall at roughly 150mph, immediately ending his race.

Bowman later described it as perhaps the biggest hit of his career. Unfortunately, the 32-year-old has a history of injuries. He suffered a concussion following a crash at Texas Motor Speedway in 2022, missing five races as a result. In 2023, he suffered a back injury in a sprint car crash that forced him to miss three Cup races.

Thankfully, Bowman has been medically cleared to race this weekend in Mexico City despite some soreness. The road course event is a big opportunity for Bowman as his most recent win in the Cup Series came at the Chicago Street Course last summer.

Alex Bowman, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Photo by: James Gilbert / Getty Images

As a precaution, Hendrick will have Anthony Alfredo on standby for Bowman at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Alfredo, who competes full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, also works as a simulator driver for HMS. He has 42 starts in the Cup Series, including one start earlier this year at Talladega Superspeedway.

Bowman currently sits 13th in the championship standings after the first 15 races this year and is hoping for some positive momentum. He has finished 27th or worse in seven of the last nine races, including five finishes of 35th or worse in a dismal run for the No. 48 team.

NASCAR’s historic return to Mexico City marks a significant milestone for the sport, as the Cup Series prepares to race at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez on June 15, 2025, for the first points-paying international event since 1958.

This weekend, dubbed the Viva Mexico 250, not only brings the premier series to a global stage but also sees the Xfinity Series competing in The Chilango 150 on June 14, reviving NASCAR’s presence in Mexico after a 17-year absence. The event underscores NASCAR’s ambition to expand its reach and tap into the vibrant motorsport culture of a city with over 20 million residents.

The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, a 2.42-mile road course with 15 turns, presents unique challenges for drivers and teams. Situated at an elevation of approximately 7,500 feet, the track’s thin air will test the car, engine performance and driver endurance.

To prepare, some competitors have trained in oxygen-deprived environments, utilizing hypoxic tents or specialized exercise regimens to adapt to the high altitude. The circuit, reconfigured since its last NASCAR event in 2008, features a distinctive section that cuts through a former baseball stadium, bringing fans closer to the action.

Its long start/finish straight, the longest among NASCAR’s road courses this season, promises intense racing moments.

This weekend holds special significance for Trackhouse Racing, a team with deep ties to the event. Daniel Suarez, the only Mexican-born driver to win a NASCAR national series race, serves as the unofficial ambassador for the Mexico City race.

Hailing from Monterrey, Suarez has competed at this venue 13 times in NASCAR’s Mexico Series, securing three victories. His familiarity with the track and cultural connection to the event make him a focal point, though he faces pressure both on and off the track.

Currently ranked 28th in the Cup Series standings and in a contract year with Trackhouse, Suarez aims to deliver a strong performance in front of an expected crowd that includes over 100 friends and family members.

The logistical undertaking to bring NASCAR to Mexico City has been monumental. Haulers departed Michigan International Speedway on June 8, traveling over 2,300 miles to reach the Autódromo. Xfinity Series teams crossed the border earlier, coordinating a complex operation to transport race cars, backup vehicles, and equipment.

NASCAR’s planning began over a year ago, with meticulous scheduling to ensure a seamless event. The organization’s commitment to this race reflects its broader strategy to grow the sport globally, exposing it to new audiences and potential sponsors while showcasing its top talent.

For fans, the weekend promises a festival of racing. The NASCAR Mexico Series will also compete, featuring events on June 13 and 14, with local drivers like Andres Perez De Lara and Ruben Rovelo making their Xfinity Series debuts alongside Suarez.

The Cup Series race, broadcast on Prime Video, and the Xfinity Series event on The CW, will reach a global audience, amplifying the event’s impact. Shane van Gisbergen, a road course specialist, enters as the betting favorite, while veterans like Denny Hamlin, who may miss the race due to the impending birth of his child, add intrigue to the storyline.

NASCAR’s return to Mexico City is more than a race; it’s a bold step toward international expansion. By embracing the challenges of a new market and celebrating the sport’s diversity, NASCAR aims to write a new chapter in its history, one that resonates with fans both in Mexico and beyond.

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.