NASCAR’s Bold Move to Mexico: Why the Richmond Race is Heading South
NASCAR is taking a bold leap forward by moving one of its races to an international venue, marking a historic moment for the sport. In 2025, the NASCAR Cup Series will race in Mexico City for the first time in modern history, a move that will replace the spring event traditionally held at Richmond International Raceway. This decision is part of a broader strategy to expand NASCAR’s global footprint, spearheaded by Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovations officer.
A Vision Realized
Ben Kennedy, the great-grandson of NASCAR’s founder, had long envisioned taking NASCAR beyond U.S. borders. His determination to break the mold and explore new opportunities for the sport has been evident in recent years, with innovative events such as transforming Bristol Motor Speedway into a dirt track, creating a temporary short track inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, and organizing NASCAR’s first-ever street race in downtown Chicago.
However, taking NASCAR international is a particularly ambitious move. The June 15, 2025, race at Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City will be the first points-paying international race in NASCAR’s top series since 1958 and only the third in its 77-year history. Previous international points-paying events took place in Canada, with additional exhibition races held in Japan and Australia. This Mexico City race represents a significant step forward for the sport’s global expansion.
Why Mexico City?
According to Kennedy, Mexico City was the ideal location for this international venture. The city’s vast population of over 20 million and its passionate motorsport fanbase make it a prime market for NASCAR. The decision was influenced by the success of the Xfinity Series races held in Mexico City from 2005 to 2008, which saw current NASCAR stars like Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, and Martin Truex Jr. take home victories.
OCESA, a key partner in promoting the Mexico City Grand Prix and other major events across the country, will handle the promotion of the NASCAR Cup Series race. Their proven track record in managing large-scale events with huge crowds was a crucial factor in choosing Mexico City as the venue.
“Mexico City checked every box,” Kennedy said. “It’s a track that is in really good condition and meets all of our standards. It was kind of the perfect place for us to land.”
A Multi-Year Commitment
The Mexico City race is part of a multi-year deal, underscoring NASCAR’s commitment to this new market. The weekend will feature not only the Cup Series but also the Xfinity Series and the popular NASCAR Mexico series. Mexican driver Daniel Suarez, a star in the NASCAR Mexico series, was a key figure in announcing the event. Suarez expressed his excitement, calling it a dream come true to race in his home country at such a high level.
“This, for me, is like a dream. A real dream come true,” Suarez said. “Exactly 10 years ago I was here racing NASCAR Mexico in 2014, and I won a race here before quitting NASCAR Mexico and moving full-time to NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2015.”
The Logistics and Challenges
While the excitement around the event is palpable, logistical challenges remain. Mexico’s rainy season in June and the notorious traffic around the venue are significant concerns that NASCAR executives are already addressing. The track layout will also be modified slightly from the configuration used by Formula 1, with NASCAR utilizing 14 of the 17 turns to better suit stock car racing.
Details such as race length and ticket pricing are still being finalized, with announcements expected early next year. However, OCESA is confident that the event will draw large crowds, similar to the sold-out Formula 1 races in Mexico City.
The Bigger Picture
Kennedy’s move to take NASCAR international is part of a broader strategy to refresh and diversify the NASCAR schedule. The decision to drop Richmond’s spring race in favor of the Mexico City event was not taken lightly, but Kennedy emphasized that Richmond will continue to play an important role in the NASCAR calendar with a fall race.
Other changes to the 2025 schedule include moving the All-Star Race to North Wilkesboro Speedway for a third consecutive year, shifting Atlanta’s race from the playoffs to an in-season tournament, and making Phoenix the season finale in November. These changes reflect NASCAR’s ongoing efforts to innovate and grow the sport.
Final Thoughts
NASCAR’s decision to move a race to Mexico City is a bold and historic move that could reshape the sport’s future. By taking the Cup Series international, NASCAR is not only expanding its global reach but also signaling its willingness to embrace change and explore new opportunities. As the sport continues to evolve, the Mexico City race could be just the beginning of NASCAR’s international journey.
