“I guess I’m not as excited for the Mexico City race,” is what Chase Elliott said last week. We know NASCAR is gearing up for a seismic shift in 2025, both on and off the track. Although going international is a bold move, it’s one that could take the sport’s popularity to new heights.
And as anticipation builds, some of NASCAR’s biggest names have already touched down. Surprisingly, Chase Elliott is one of them. NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver was joined by Ryan Blaney, Christopher Bell, and Mexico’s own Daniel Suárez, who visited Mexico City, for the first-ever Cup Series points race outside the U.S. since 1958.
NASCAR stars ring the Bell and chase history in Mexico
Speaking of Chase Elliott’s comments on visiting Mexico for a race where he also added, “I think that would really be something if you ever got overseas to potentially race. I would love to be a part of something like that.”
Now that Elliott, Blaney, Bell, and Suraez are in Mexico, they got an early feel for the historic circuit, posing for a track walk photo-op and immersing themselves in Mexico’s rich motorsport culture. NASCAR shared the moment on social media, captioning the post, “Welcome to Mexico City! Four of our drivers toured @autodromohr in preparation for this summer’s @NASCARMexico_ race.” One driver that was visibly missing was Kyle Busch.
Welcome to Mexico City!
Four of our drivers toured @autodromohr in preparation for this summer’s @NASCARMexico_ race. pic.twitter.com/kFhK61VKUL
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 25, 2025
When it comes to Mexico, one should not forget Kyle Busch’s success on the track from 2008. Although Busch has not joined the drivers who visited the track this time, Rowdy’s last win in Mexico was noteworthy. Kyle had participated in the Corona Mexico 200 in 2008. He put up a strong performance after starting 6th on the grid. With 7 laps to go, he passed Scott Pruett to eventually win the race. The win made Kyle the fourth different winner in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, joining the likes of Juan Pablo Montoya and Denny Hamlin.
For Suárez, this race is more than just another stop on the schedule—it’s a homecoming. The Trackhouse Racing driver made history in 2022 as the first Mexican-born racer to win a Cup Series race at Sonoma. The Mexican driver couldn’t hide his excitement, telling the other three, “I feel like you are coming to my home for the first time.” The significance of NASCAR’s arrival in Mexico wasn’t lost on the group as they soaked in the atmosphere and took their first steps on the track.
Elliott, Bell, and Blaney also embraced the moment, recognizing the importance of NASCAR’s international expansion. After touring the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Elliott admitted, “Honestly, I’ve been really impressed…I’d never been to Mexico City and this is pretty neat.” The four drivers also made time for a lighthearted pit stop at a Taco Bell. Elliott shared the fun moment on his Instagram story. With the race scheduled for June 15, anticipation is building for what promises to be a landmark moment in NASCAR history.
NASCAR looks to expand its horizons further with a potential Race in Saudi Arabia by 2030
Mexico isn’t the only international destination on NASCAR’s radar as the series aims to broaden its global appeal. Saudi Arabia is emerging as a potential venue for NASCAR Cup Series races. Discussions are already underway to host an event in the kingdom by the end of the decade.
Reports from Sports Business Journal indicate that the proposed race could take place in Qiddiya, a major entertainment and tourism project in Riyadh. Recently, Khalid Al-Faisal, chair of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation, toured the construction of the Qiddiya Speed Park Track. He then revealed a vision that includes NASCAR among other premier racing series like Formula One and Formula E at the circuit.
However, NASCAR COO Steve O’Donnell made the sport’s stance on a potential Saudi visit clear. “We’ve got a finite amount of content we can bring but I think as you look at NASCAR from an international standpoint, it’ll be more around that Mexico model where we want to look to grow the overall sport and build it within the culture wherever we go. So we can certainly take a race from an exhibition standpoint or from a national series but you’ll see it coupled if we do go somewhere with a grassroots efforts as well.”
This could point towards Brazil since there was a lot of conversation about a potential Clash being held there. Fans will have to wait and watch for now.
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