In a groundbreaking move, NASCAR has announced that the 2025 season will feature a points-paying race outside the United States for the first time since 1958. On June 15, 2025, the NASCAR Cup Series will head to Mexico, specifically to the iconic Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, marking a historic moment for the sport.
This decision revives the Cup Series’ international ambitions, which were last seen in the 1950s with races in Canada. The first such race occurred in 1952 in Ontario, followed by a 1958 event at Toronto’s Exhibition Stadium, where NASCAR legend Lee Petty took the victory. However, since then, the series has largely stayed within U.S. borders, with only non-points exhibition races being held abroad.
The selection of Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is significant, given its rich history with motorsports, including hosting Formula 1’s Mexican Grand Prix and previous NASCAR Xfinity Series events. The track, known for its challenging layout, will be slightly modified for the Cup Series, bypassing some corners to create a 4.053-kilometer circuit tailored for stock car racing.
NASCAR’s decision to return to international competition aligns with its recent efforts to shake up traditional norms, spearheaded by NASCAR Executive Vice President Ben Kennedy. Kennedy, who has been instrumental in introducing innovative events like the Busch Light Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the Chicago Street Race, views the Mexico City race as a pivotal moment for the sport’s global reach.
“To go to Mexico City is obviously a huge move for the sport,” Kennedy said. “It’s a significant step towards engaging new fans. When we go to markets like Chicago or L.A., 70 to 80 percent of the attendees are first-time fans. We expect a similar dynamic in Mexico, attracting a mix of new, casual, and avid fans.”
This historic race in Mexico will replace the spring event at Richmond on the 2025 calendar, a decision made following Richmond’s struggles to draw large crowds despite the on-track excitement. The full 2025 NASCAR schedule, released on Thursday, also includes another major change: the Busch Light Clash will move from Los Angeles to the legendary Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Bowman Gray, known as “The Madhouse,” is famed for its intense short-track racing and colorful history, making it a fitting venue for the season-opening exhibition race.
As NASCAR prepares for this new chapter, all eyes will be on how the Mexico City race unfolds and what it means for the sport’s future. The return to international racing, coupled with innovative schedule changes, underscores NASCAR’s commitment to evolving and expanding its global footprint.
