In the high-octane world of NASCAR, rumors can spread faster than a loose wheel at Daytona. Over the past week, whispers about the fate of the Mexico City race, a cornerstone of NASCAR’s international expansion, have ricocheted through the garage. While political headlines and trade debates dominate the news cycle, NASCAR’s leadership has been working overtime to squash speculation, insisting the event is “full-speed ahead.” But with tensions simmering between the U.S. and Mexico, the question lingers: Is this race really in jeopardy, or is it just another case of smoke without fire?
Let’s pump the brakes for a second. The rumor mill kicked into overdrive after an anonymous Instagram account claimed that NASCAR might swap Mexico City for Daytona’s road course. This stemmed from Donald Trump’s recent delaying of tariffs on Mexican goods. Cue panic, memes, and enough social media hot takes to melt a restrictor plate. However, NASCAR’s reliable insider, Bob Pockrass, set the record straight.
NASCAR Insider shuts down cancellation rumors
FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass took to X (formerly Twitter), writing: “There have been rumors for several weeks that the Mexico race won’t happen, even though NASCAR brought drivers to Mexico last week and had Mexican media at COTA this past weekend. I talked to NASCAR this morning. They are adamant that the Mexico race is good to go.”
Despite weeks of speculation, NASCAR hasn’t just talked about its Mexico plans; it’s backed them up with action. Last week, drivers like Daniel Suárez, Ryan Blaney, and Chase Elliott hit Mexico City for a promotional blitz that included track walks, media appearances, and a very enthusiastic taco tasting (Suárez, a Mexico native, reportedly approved the salsa). Suarez was also thrilled just to show his colleagues his home country. “I don’t think many people actually realize how special this is for me because it’s not every day that I get to show these guys my home, my culture,” Suarez told The Associated Press.
Rumors of Mexico race not happening likely stem from the current state of relations between the two countries. And there are some in the garage who have anxiety about going (just like there was some, maybe not to same extent, about racing in Chicago). I fully expect it to happen. https://t.co/V32YmT4hsk
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 7, 2025
So why the anxiety? Pockrass elaborated further, noting, “Rumors of Mexico race not happening likely stem from the current state of relations between the two countries. And there are some in the garage who have anxiety about going (just like there was some, maybe not to same extent, about racing in Chicago). I fully expect it to happen.”
Some teams have privately raised concerns about logistics and U.S.-Mexico relations, but NASCAR’s response has been unwavering: “We have contingency plans for every race, but this one’s happening,” a source told Racing America. With a two-year contract in place and promoter OCESA all-in, pulling out now is not an option.
Why is canceling not even an option?
Let’s shift gears to the elephant in the garage: politics. While NASCAR thrives on a checkers or wreckers mentality, international events require a different playbook. The Mexico City race isn’t just a race; it’s a symbol of NASCAR’s global ambitions and a test of its ability to navigate choppy geopolitical waters. And here’s the kicker: NASCAR’s fanbase in Mexico is growing! Thanks in large part to the NASCAR Mexico Series that has been held since 2004.
Current Trackhouse Racing #99, Daniel Suarez, drove in the series prior to making the move up north, and expressed his joy in being able to race at the highest level back in his home country. “This is really a dream come true. Exactly 10 years ago, I was here racing NASCAR Mexico in 2014, and I won a race here before leaving NASCAR México and moving full-time to the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2015… I remember thinking what a dream it would be for me to race the NASCAR Cup Series one day in my country. I remember thinking that, and fast forward now nine years later, and here we are in Mexico City.”
When NASCAR decided they were going to expand globally for a points-paying race for the first time, it was a watershed moment. NASCAR’s partner for the event, OCESA, reflected this sentiment. “The arrival of the NASCAR Cup Series to our country reflects the significant growth that motorsports has experienced in Mexico, an achievement in which Escudería Telmex has played a major role by promoting the NASCAR Mexico Series and supporting drivers like Daniel Suárez.” said Alejandro Soberón, Founder and CEO of OCESA
The series has also learned from past challenges, like the cautious rollout of the Chicago Street Race. While that event faced skepticism, NASCAR proved skeptics wrong with a sold-out crowd and viral moments topped off by Cup Series debutant Shane van Gisbergen winning the race in stunning style.
Mexico City offers similar potential, with IndyCar now eyeing the market too. As for Trump’s tariff talk? NASCAR’s leadership is staying focused on the track. “We’re here to race, not politicize,” said one official. In the end, NASCAR’s Mexico City plans are about more than just racing; they’re a high-stakes blend of sport, business, and cross-border collaboration.
While rumors will always swirl like tire smoke on a road course, the facts are clear: Drivers are prepping, tickets are selling, and NASCAR’s leadership isn’t blinking. So, as Suárez would say, Vamos a la pista! This race isn’t just happening; it’s poised to be a defining moment in NASCAR’s playbook.
The post Despite Donald Trump’s Calls for Action, Mexico Plans Get Update Amidst Huge Rumor appeared first on EssentiallySports.