NASCAR Race Today in Mexico City?

NASCAR Roars Into Mexico City: First-Ever Cup Race Outside U.S. in Over 60 Years

Mexico City – June 15, 2025 — History was made today as NASCAR officially went international with its first top-level Cup Series points race in Mexico City, held at the legendary Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Dubbed the Viva México 250, the event marked the first Cup Series race outside the United States since 1958. Need to buy NASCAR race tickets? Click here to buy NASCAR Tickets!

NASCAR Crosses the Border

The race is part of NASCAR’s effort to reach new global audiences, especially in Latin America where motorsport culture continues to grow. Much like how the NFL and NBA have expanded into Mexico, NASCAR’s leap into Mexico City represents a significant milestone in expanding its brand internationally.

Despite challenges related to transporting cars, teams, and equipment across the U.S.–Mexico border, the organization successfully pulled off a logistically complex operation.

Suárez and National Pride on Full Display

All eyes were on Daniel Suárez, Mexico’s only full-time NASCAR Cup driver, who received a hero’s welcome and carried the hopes of millions of fans in his home country. His performance on home turf had national pride woven into every lap.

Female Mexican driver Regina Sivient, known for breaking barriers in ARCA racing, applauded the historic weekend, saying it could inspire more Latin American involvement in NASCAR at all levels.

New Tech, New Rules

This race saw the return of stricter rules to keep things clean, especially on the winding road course. Drivers had to stay fully inside designated red and white curbing or face harsh penalties—anything from stop-and-go penalties to added time after the race.

NASCAR also introduced an AI-driven fuel strategy tracker called the “Burn Bar”, first seen earlier this season. It allowed fans to follow live data on which cars were pushing limits and who might be in trouble with fuel toward the end.

Big Stakes in the Season

Today’s event was the 16th race in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season—and the second of the newly introduced “In-Season Challenge,” a set of races with bonus incentives and playoff implications.

Seven drivers were within just 20 points of the playoff cutline heading into the race, so a surprise win here could shake up the championship picture.

Packed Weekend Schedule

The racing festivities spanned three days:

• Friday: Back-to-back Cup Series practice sessions.
• Saturday: Cup qualifying and the Xfinity Series race, “The Chilango 150.”
• Sunday: The Viva México 250, aired on Prime Video and covered live by MRN Radio and SiriusXM.

For local fans, the event was broadcast across Mexico on Canal 5, courtesy of a partnership with TelevisaUnivision.

A New Chapter for NASCAR

As engines cooled down this afternoon, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just a race—it was a cultural moment. NASCAR’s first-ever Cup Series race in Mexico City represents more than fast laps. It’s about bridging cultures, expanding fandom, and opening a whole new track for the future of motorsports.

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