NASCAR’s inaugural Cup Series points race in Mexico in 25 years—the Viva México 250—kicks off on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the iconic Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. With a staggering $12,561,250 total purse (including charter payouts, contingency awards, and season fund contributions), the event marks a landmark expansion of stock-car racing outside the United States.

Event Overview

• Location & Date: Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico City, Sunday, June 15 (100 laps, 241.7 miles)

• Coverage: Live on Amazon Prime at 3 p.m. ET; radio broadcast via MRN and SiriusXM
  
  

• Field: 37 top Cup drivers, including NASCAR and road-course specialists making the trek from Michigan to Mexico
  
  

Record-Breaking Purse

• The $12.56 million Cup Series purse eclipses last weekend’s Michigan race by over $1.5 million and establishes Mexico City’s event as among the richest ever held outside the U.S.
  
  

• Also featured is the Xfinity Series Chilango 150, offering a combined $2.15 million purse.
  
  

What Makes It Unique

• Historic return: First points-paying Cup Series international race since 1958 (Canada); first global Cup data event in 25 years
  
  

• Challenging track: A 2.429-mile, 15-turn road course at 7,500 ft altitude that demands unique setups for engine performance and tire management
  
  

Drivers to Watch

• Shane van Gisbergen (SVG) enters as betting favorite at +300 due to his road-course acumen and recent performances
  
  

• Other strong contenders include Christopher Bell (+600), William Byron (+700), Chase Elliott (+700), Tyler Reddick, and Kyle Larson
  
  

• Past winners in the Xfinity–NASCAR Mexico events at the track, Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin, are also key picks entering Sunday’s race

Spire Motorsports Spotlight

Spire will send three Chevrolet Camaros (Nos. 7, 71, 77) piloted by Justin Haley, Michael McDowell, and Carson Hocevar—the latter two bringing strong road course credentials. The team will also pay tribute to recently deceased mechanic Tony Witt during the weekend.

Key Event Details

Final Word

The Viva México 250 is shaping up as a historic and financially momentous event in NASCAR history. With a ground-breaking prize pool, elite international drivers, and a track that refines both man and machine, Sunday’s race promises to be both thrilling and historically significant. Stay tuned for live updates and race-day analysis as NASCAR charges into a new era beyond U.S. soil.

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NASCAR Heads South: Viva México 250 to Debut with Record Purse at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez

First-ever points-paying Cup Series race in Mexico features $12.56 million purse and international flair

MEXICO CITY — NASCAR’s long-anticipated international expansion reaches a major milestone this weekend as the Viva México 250 rolls into the iconic Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. For the first time in history, a points-paying NASCAR Cup Series race will take place in Mexico, and it arrives with a record-setting $12.56 million purse, the largest ever awarded for a NASCAR event outside the United States.

Set against the electric atmosphere of Mexico City and the historic backdrop of one of the world’s most technical circuits, the 2025 Viva México 250 is more than a race — it’s a statement about NASCAR’s global ambitions.

Event Overview

• Race: NASCAR Cup Series – Viva México 250

• Date: Sunday, June 15, 2025

• Venue: Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico City

• Distance: 100 laps / 241.7 miles

• Broadcast: Amazon Prime (3:00 PM ET), MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

• Purse: $12,561,250 (Cup Series); $2.15 million (Xfinity Series Chilango 150)

A Historic Return to Mexico

The 2025 race marks the first Cup Series points event in Mexico and the first international points-paying Cup race since 1958 (Canada). NASCAR previously ran Xfinity Series events at this circuit from 2005 to 2008, but never at the Cup level.

The 2.429-mile, 15-turn road course sits 7,500 feet above sea level, presenting a unique test of engine performance, braking discipline, and driver stamina. Teams have made specialized aerodynamic and engine mapping adjustments to adapt to the thin air and complex layout.

A Record Purse on Foreign Soil

The $12.56 million purse is the largest ever for a NASCAR race held outside the U.S. and even surpasses many domestic events in prize value. The payout includes contingency awards, race purses, and season-long bonuses, underscoring the significance NASCAR has placed on expanding its footprint internationally.

The Field: Star Power and Road Course Aces

A total of 37 drivers will take the green flag in Mexico City, with a mix of regular Cup contenders and road course specialists aiming for glory.

Drivers to Watch:

• Shane van Gisbergen – The three-time Supercars champion enters as the betting favorite thanks to his road course prowess.

• Christopher Bell, William Byron, and Chase Elliott – All known for strong road course performances.

• Kyle Larson and Tyler Reddick – Top contenders in nearly every discipline.

• Justin Haley, Michael McDowell, and Carson Hocevar – Road specialists running for Spire Motorsports.

Veterans Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin, both of whom have previous experience racing in Mexico, add further depth to the field.

A Global Moment for NASCAR

“This is more than a race,” said NASCAR Vice President Steve O’Donnell. “It’s about connecting with one of the world’s most passionate motorsport fan bases and showcasing NASCAR on a global platform.”

Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez has long hosted F1 and international series, but this marks a historic entry for stock car racing in the region.

Final Thoughts

With a star-studded field, a challenging course, and a record-setting purse, the 2025 Viva México 250 is poised to be one of the most significant races in modern NASCAR history. As Cup drivers test their limits south of the border, the event stands as a symbol of the sport’s global growth—and the beginning of a bold new chapter for NASCAR.