NASCAR Mexico City: A New Chapter at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez

 
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NASCAR’s international Cup Series race in NASCAR Mexico delivers drama, history, and a glimpse of the sport’s future

Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez has long been a playground for speed and history, and in 2025, it became the stage for NASCAR’s latest international chapter. With 14 technical turns and a long, wide straightaway stretching from Turn 15 back to Turn 1, the circuit challenges drivers and rewards bold moves. The low altitude adds another layer, testing engines and drivers alike.

The 2025 NASCAR weekend at this storied venue wasn’t just another date on the calendar. For the first time in 67 years, the NASCAR Cup Series hosted a points race outside the United States. The wait paid off, delivering moments that will stick with fans and drivers for years to come.

A Weekend of Firsts and Favorites

Shane van Gisbergen, piloting the No. 88 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing, took the Cup Series win in commanding fashion. The New Zealander led 60 of 100 laps, including the final 32. He crossed the line more than 16 seconds ahead of the field, marking the largest margin of victory in a Cup Series race since 2009. With the win, van Gisbergen punched his ticket to the playoffs and became the second Trackhouse driver to secure a spot this season.

Meanwhile, Saturday belonged to Daniel Suárez. Driving the No. 9 Chevrolet for Quaker State, Suárez staged a comeback that had the grandstands going wild. After a qualifying crash forced him into a backup car and a last-place start, he fought his way through the field and took the Xfinity Series win. When asked if the weekend met up with what he expected, Suárez said, “Every single thing about this weekend exceeded my expectations—the people, the fans, the sponsors, the excitement, the energy.” He added, “20 years of my career I have never experienced anything like that.” Describing the moment, he said, “I got goosebumps and I felt so blessed,” when asked if he could see and hear the crowd in the stadium section.

Race Highlights: On-Track Action and Off-Track Drama

Van Gisbergen’s win was decisive and came with little drama at the front, but the rest of the field kept things interesting. Christopher Bell charged to second place after struggling in qualifying but finding pace on race day.

Carson Hocevar and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. made contact on lap 90, and after the race, Stenhouse confronted Hocevar to express his feelings. Stenhouse finished 27th, ahead of Hocevar, who ended up one lap down in 34th. The incident was the second in three weekends between the two. Hocevar’s aggressive driving style isn’t making him many friends in the garage, and if he’s looking for beef, Stenhouse is the right one to pick a fight with.

Heading into the next race, the playoff picture has tightened. Chase Elliott and Tyler Reddick are now more than 100 points clear of the cutline. Chris Buescher’s tenth-place finish in Mexico City keeps him 19 points above the cutoff.

Faces in the Crowd

“Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez hosted a range of familiar faces and new personalities. Soaking in the sights and sounds of NASCAR’s inaugural Cup Series race in Mexico City, content creators Jordan Taylor and Curtis Willis made the trip south on behalf of Racers & Riders. NFL running back Alvin Kamara and comedian Jay Mendoza mingled with fans and teams as Dale Earnhardt Jr. lent his voice to the Xfinity post-race press conference, representing Trackhouse Racing and celebrating Suárez’s win. Legendary four-time NASCAR Cup champion Jeff Gordon, a phenomenal racer on both ovals and road courses, served as Grand Marshal. The Rainbow Warrior’s presence undoubtedly bridged the sport’s storied past with its global ambitions.

Expanding the Fan Base

NASCAR’s goal in Mexico City went beyond the checkered flag. The weekend was about expanding the sport’s reach and welcoming new fans. Elton Sawyer, NASCAR’s Senior VP of Competition, confirmed that 90% of attendees came from Mexico, with nearly half from Mexico City itself. The stands were a mix of die-hard fans and newcomers, all drawn by the excitement and energy of stock car racing.

Suárez sees the event as a turning point. “We need more Latinos in the sport. Not just drivers, but everything across the board. Hopefully, this race opens the eyes of many young guys or girls that want to do something in NASCAR in the U.S.” The hope is that the energy and diversity on display in Mexico City will have a lasting impact on the sport for years to come.

Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead

Bob Pockrass from Fox Sports asked, “Should NASCAR return to Mexico City?” Everything wasn’t perfect. No major event comes without a few growing pains. Teams faced travel challenges and logistical hurdles forcing NASCAR to adjust the weekend schedule. The stands weren’t full, which served as a reminder that building a fanbase takes time and persistence. Yet, the hospitality and warmth from the local crowd stood out. Many observers left Mexico City thinking that some American tracks could learn a lesson or two from the way Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez welcomed the NASCAR Xfinity and Cup Series.

What Mexico City Showed Us

NASCAR’s debut in Mexico City proved the sport can thrive beyond its traditional borders. The racing delivered, the fans responded, and the city embraced the weekend’s racing. Genuine hospitality and a warm welcome made the experience memorable. The ultimate winner wasn’t just Shane van Gisbergen or Daniel Suárez. NASCAR itself proved that fans around the world are ready for stock car racing. Looking ahead, a return to Mexico City would build on the foundation already in place. There is hope that NASCAR will not only give it another chance, as it did with the first Los Angeles Coliseum race, but also consider expanding to more events outside North America. Experiencing NASCAR in Japan would be something special, right?