Previewing NASCAR’s return to Mexico – Speedway Digest

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.