In an exciting twist for motorsport fans, NASCAR is going international, debuting at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico later this year. The news has been met with enthusiasm from fans and racers alike, none more so than 2020 Cup Series champion, Chase Elliott.
The move marks a significant milestone for NASCAR, breaking away from its traditional base, the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This year, Mexico gets the honor of hosting the first foreign race, a testament to the growing popularity of the sport beyond the United States.
Ahead of the much-anticipated race, Elliott, along with fellow racers Daniel Suarez, Ryan Blaney, and Christopher Bell, paid a visit to Mexico. For Suarez, this occasion holds special significance. Not only is it the first ever home race for the racer, but it also presents an opportunity to perform well in front of his dedicated fan base.
Elliott relayed his positive experience of the trip and the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez track to Frontstretch. The 2020 Cup Series champion expressed his admiration for the venue, stating: “I think all those things are good, there was nothing negative about the trip, my experience, what I saw, the race track, all of it. [I] Thought it was really positive, I think everyone is well-prepared, ready to take on the challenge.”
The excitement surrounding the debut extends beyond the drivers themselves. NASCAR officials, track officials, promoters, and event organizers are all pulling together to ensure the event is a success. Echoing this sentiment, Elliott noted: “Everybody that is putting on a show really seems bought in on it and willing to give it a really good effort. Not only from the prep side of things, but also executing a proper race weekend.”
The Hendrick Motorsports star was particularly impressed by the enthusiasm displayed by the same organizers who manage the F1 races. Their involvement in the inaugural Cup race in Mexico is seen as a positive sign for the event.
Beyond exploring the track, Elliott, Blaney, and Bell also had the chance to immerse themselves in the local culture, including enjoying the popular Luchador matches. The trip provided a unique opportunity for Suarez to guide his peers through his home country, an experience that was appreciated by Elliott and the others.
Elliott admitted that Suarez deserved recognition for his efforts in facilitating the trip and expressed his happiness in seeing Suarez in familiar territory. The two have known each other since they both climbed through the racing ranks. Suarez has long advocated for a Cup race in Mexico, making the upcoming race a dream come true for the racer.
With the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez ready to join the list of purpose-built circuits on the NASCAR calendar, and the second of 6 road courses in the 2025 calendar, excitement is building. Elliott, along with his fellow racers and the entire NASCAR community, eagerly awaits the opportunity to tackle the track and bring the thrill of NASCAR racing to new audiences.
