NASCAR Returns to Mexico: A Historic Weekend at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez
NASCAR’s recent weekend at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City marked a significant milestone, featuring both the Xfinity Series and the Cup Series, the latter’s first international points race since 1958. NASCAR Executive Vice President, Ben Kennedy, expressed pride in the collaboration that facilitated the event, which included the transport of over 100 haulers across the border, dedicated shuttles, and chartered planes for team members.
Shane van Gisbergen clinched victory in the Cup Series race, capping off a historic weekend. "Today wasn’t just a race,” Kennedy remarked. “This was a historic moment for our sport, for Mexico, and for the global motorsports community."
On Saturday, Daniel Suarez from Monterrey won the Xfinity Series race, igniting enthusiasm among fans. “The energy and passion of the fans was unmatched,” Kennedy noted, highlighting that 90% of attendees were Mexican, with a strong contingent from Mexico City.
Although attendance figures were not publicly disclosed, Kennedy stated that they were "happy" with the turnout. The event drew a blend of dedicated followers and first-time attendees, with Kennedy noting that this diversity is crucial for the sport’s growth. “We had a lot of new fans that came out this weekend… hopefully, they found a new favorite driver,” he added.
While NASCAR has a multiyear agreement to hold events in Mexico City, plans for a return in 2026 remain tentative, focusing on logistical and economic considerations. Kennedy emphasized the importance of expanding NASCAR’s global footprint, referencing Mexico’s substantial population and potential fan base.
As teams shift focus to Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania, Kennedy acknowledged ongoing analysis of the successful event and its implications for future scheduling decisions, balancing strategic growth against economic factors.
