This marks one of the most anticipated weekends of the 2025 racing calendar as NASCAR returns to Mexico City after much anticipation, setting off excitement among fans and prompting teams to step up their performance. The event includes the Cup Series’ inaugural points-scoring race held internationally in years, along with the Xfinity series’ comeback since 2008—a significant moment for both events. However, challenges have arisen during preparations below the U.S.-Mexico border.
As the Xfinity Series prepared for key practice sessions on Friday, a sudden travel upheaval plunged the whole schedule into disarray. An alarming last-second issue with their chartered flight, affecting one of the Xfinity teams and drivers, compelled NASCAR to hastily revamp the Mexico City race weekend timetable. This change pushed back various events and rattled everyone’s pre-race arrangements mere days ahead of the start of the competition.
The scheduling for NASCAR at Mexico City has been rearranged.
Travel problems experienced by teams departing from the Charlotte region have led NASCAR to alter their schedule for this weekend’s activities at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. With excitement surrounding the race building up, two chartered flights were halted prior to departure on Thursday. This resulted in multiple Xfinity Series teams arriving late. Consequently, adjustments needed to be made spontaneously regarding practices, qualifications, and preparations for the races.
Bob Pockrass shared the updated schedule and brought forth the news on X, stating,
Due to travel problems affecting several Xfinity teams who couldn’t arrive yet, the schedule adjustments for theMexico weekend entail a delayed Cup practice session on Friday and all Xfinity activities shifted toSaturday.
NASCAR swiftly acknowledged that two distinct airplane problems disturbed the scheduling of travels, leaving several teams stuck in North Carolina as late as Thursday afternoon. Initially,
Xfinity
Drivers were scheduled to be on the track for two sessions on Friday—a 50-minute session followed by a 25-minute one. However, all these sessions have now been rescheduled for Saturday.
There will only be a 50-minute practice session starting at 11:05 AM Eastern Time, followed by qualifying at 12:10 PM ET. These events will occur mere hours prior to the start of The Chilango 150 at 4:30 PM ET. This significantly reduces track time for drivers who are already facing restricted preparation opportunities. In the meantime,
Cup series
It also modified its Friday lineup. Rather than practicing during the day, drivers will start their sessions later, with a 50-minute practice beginning at 4:05 PM Eastern Time followed by another shorter session lasting 25 minutes starting at 5:30 PM Eastern Time. The Cup race, named the Viva Mexico 250, remains scheduled for Sunday at 3 PM Eastern Time. There aren’t significant changes; only slight adjustments to allow more time for drivers to acclimate to the circuit.
Trending Articles
- The NASCAR community grieves over an heartbreaking loss with the passing of a championship-winning legend at the age of 75.
- NASCAR News: Richard Childress Set to lose Prominent Driver to Jimmie Johnson After Silly Season Concludes
- “So It Isn’t Safe” – Enthusiasts Sound Alarm Following New Disclosures About NASCAR’s Risky Move to Mexico
The disorder wasn’t merely operational; it was truly terrifying for certain passengers aboard. NASCAR insider Jerry Jordan provided additional insights on X, stating,
“
CONFIRMED: Problem with the team’s charter plane bound for Mexico, initially reported by the driver.
@ryanellisracing
The team heard ‘a loud explosion,’ and the pilot believes an object struck the engine. This has also been confirmed.
@NASCAR,
Everyone is reported to be safe. According to FlightAware, the impacted teams should leave in approximately 28 minutes. NASCAR Xfinity driver Ryan Ellis provided an updated statement on the circumstances via X, stating:
Returning home once more (haha). The commercial flight I’m on, which includes a layover afterwards, continues to be postponed. @AmericanAir.
Fortunately, nobody was injured, and NASCAR verified that everyone associated with the scale was present and well. However, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in international travel for a sport predominantly held within the U.S. This isn’t the reception NASCAR anticipated upon their return to Mexico, yet the teams are en route, prepared to compete—disrupted but determined.
However, if there’s one driver relishing every moment of NASCAR’s comeback to Mexico, it’s
Daniel Suarez
The racer from Monterey isn’t merely competing on his home ground; he’s turning it into an intensely personal, culturally charged, and highly electrifying event.
Daniel Suarez prepares for his race in Mexico with a brand-new helmet.
As the sole driver born in Mexico to clinch the Xfinity Series championship title in 2016, Suárez isn’t merely competing on his home turf; he’s reveling in it. He’s marking this occasion with an entirely new helmet that has quickly caught everyone’s attention, adorned by Mexican artist Latapi Jorge.
Suarez shared his helmet on social media with the message,
This is the helmet I’ll wear during the NASCAR Mexico City event! It was specially crafted by the renowned Mexican artist and dear friend, Latapi Jorge. The design embodies our culture, nation, and inner strength—the warrior spirit present in each one of us. Being able to showcase my Mexican heritage and represent my homeland and compatriots fills me with immense pride. Here’s wishing we have an incredible weekend!
This weekend, Suarez plans to compete in two races: the Chilango 150 Xfinity and the Viva Mexico 250 Cup Series main event. Despite yet to secure his first victory of the 2025 Cup season, his second-place result at Las Vegas indicates that he remains highly competitive. In the Xfinity race, he’ll be behind the wheel for JR Motorsports, which is jointly owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr.
In addition to Suarez, Mexican racers Andrew Perez De Lara and Ruben Rovelo will also compete in the Xfinity Series. This could not have made Mexican fans happier. However, truth be told: whenever Suarez emerges from the garage wearing his helmet as sunlight beams down, it signals more than just a race start—it promises an entire celebration. Despite racing later in the day during the weekend within the Xfinity Series lineup, Suarez is preparing himself for a busy calendar, and everyone will surely be watching their local star take center stage.
Could Mexico City be the location for him to secure his first victory in 2025? Share your opinions below!
Related Articles
- What Is Daniel Suarez’s Ethnic Origin, Religious Affiliation, and Nationality? Uncovering His Ancestry and Background
- Unfavorable Sign Hits NASCAR as Drivers Compelled to Quit Mid-Flight En Route to Mexico
- Could the Mexico City Race Pave a New Path for Daniel Suarez’s NASCAR Journey?
- What Are Some Present NASCAR Drivers Who Have Claimed Victories in Mexico City?
- NASCAR Schedule for Mexico City 2025: Viewing Info, Race Order, Timings, Forecast, and Prize Money
Like our content?
Follow us
for more.
Leave a Reply