In the heart of Mexico City, NASCAR driver Daniel Suarez guided fellow racers through the vibrant streets after dark, following a day spent immersing them in the rich culture of his homeland.
The journey is part of the buildup to NASCAR’s first modern-era international Cup Series race, set to take place in June at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez. This event marks a historic moment as it will only be the third instance in NASCAR’s 77-year history that a championship point race occurs outside the U.S., the last being in 1958.
The announcement of the Mexico City race in August was met with enthusiasm about the new location. However, as the 2025 season unfolds, concerns have surfaced about the feasibility of the event, with doubts about security and safety circulating among the racing community. Despite these rumors, NASCAR remains committed to the venture, having signed a two-year deal with OCESA, the organization behind Mexico’s F1 race and numerous other major events. As ticket sales commenced this week, prices for a three-day general admission start at a reasonable $50.
This week’s promotional tour had a dual purpose: to introduce Suarez, along with NASCAR champions Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, and recent race winner Christopher Bell, to the Mexican market, and to showcase the local enthusiasm for NASCAR. Their itinerary included a track walk, indulging in authentic Mexican cuisine, experiencing the lively Lucha Libre wrestling, and engaging hundreds at a media event.
For Suarez, sharing his homeland with fellow drivers was particularly significant. “Showing these guys my home and culture has been an incredible experience,” he expressed, highlighting Mexico City’s authentic atmosphere compared to more commonly visited places like Cancun. For OCESA, assessing the market interest in NASCAR is crucial, especially after the successful sale of F1 tickets and ongoing negotiations with Formula One Management. This situation has temporarily halted talks with IndyCar regarding a potential 2026 event, as OCESA evaluates Mexico City’s capacity to host multiple racing series.
For the NASCAR team, this cultural immersion and the local buzz offered a chance to craft a positive narrative to share at the upcoming race at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. A team from OCESA will attend, eager to learn the nuances of a typical Cup Series weekend.
Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s COO, likened the visit to the NASCAR experience, stating that “just like watching a race, once you experience it, you fall in love.” Witnessing the involved drivers enjoying, learning, and embracing the experience, he hopes they’ll return to share optimistic stories.
Blaney, who is committed to learning Spanish by June, thoroughly enjoyed the journey, dispelling fears within the industry about the upcoming race. “I’ve never had doubts about coming to Mexico City. The hospitality has been incredible, and any worries should be set aside,” he insisted.
Chase Elliott also praised the trip, expressing confidence in promoting the race to fans. “The last couple of days have completely assured me of not only the enthusiasm but also the safety and quality of the venue,” he commented, full of positivity about racing south of the border.
