NASCAR Adjusts Mexico City Race Weekend Schedule Due to Travel Delays
NASCAR has implemented significant changes to the race weekend schedule at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City following travel disruptions caused by mechanical failures of chartered planes carrying teams. An engine failure on one of the aircraft resulted in major delays for several members of the NASCAR community, necessitating immediate adjustments to upcoming events.
In an official statement, NASCAR confirmed, "Due to two aircraft issues that grounded multiple race teams in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, NASCAR has adjusted the on-track schedule for this weekend’s activities." As a result, the planned NASCAR Cup Series practice sessions have been postponed to later in the afternoon on Friday, June 13.
Moreover, all NASCAR Xfinity Series practice sessions originally scheduled for Friday have been moved to Saturday. The first of two NASCAR Mexico Series races will start earlier on Friday, now set for 1:30 PM EST. The Xfinity Series will now only have a single 50-minute practice session on Saturday morning, right before qualifying.
Updated Schedule (EST)
Friday, June 13
- 1:30 PM: NASCAR Mexico Series Race #1
- 4:05 PM: NASCAR Cup Practice #1
- 5:30 PM: NASCAR Cup Practice #2
Saturday, June 14
- 11:05 AM: NASCAR Xfinity Series Practice
- 12:10 PM: NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying
- 2:05 PM: NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying
- 7:00 PM: NASCAR Mexico Series Race #2
Sunday’s schedule remains unchanged, with the NASCAR Cup race set to start at 3 PM EST, featuring a green flag at 3:23 PM. Notably, Denny Hamlin will not participate in the event, as he has opted to stay with his family following the birth of his son; he is expected to seek a playoff waiver.
NASCAR reported that the 132 haulers and transport vehicles traveling directly from Michigan International Speedway to Mexico City arrived without significant incident, mitigating further disruption for the sport during this complex logistical undertaking.
