For the first time in the history of NASCAR, the Cup Series will be heading to Mexico City for a points-paying race. The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez has hosted the Xfinity Series in the past, from 2005 to 2008. But this year’s mega event will be the first of its kind. While most of the drivers and teams were excited about this event, there were doubts surrounding Kyle Busch’s entry into Mexico.
Now we are well aware of Rowdy’s antics within the NASCAR garage, and he isn’t the one to bow out of a fight. But, in 2023, he landed himself in trouble for carrying a gun and ammunition during a routine check at a Mexico airport. He was sentenced to three and a half years in prison along with a $1,000 fine, but a local judge let him off the hook after paying an undisclosed amount.
Well, former Hendrick Motorsports crew chief Chad Knaus was talking about the return of NASCAR to Mexico on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Well, the discussion started with a race-related incident that involved Busch, but it took a wild turn as Knaus spoke about Rowdy’s legal troubles. Before he could realize that he had taken a wrong turn, it was too late, and Knaus knew his phone might ring any minute.
Chad Knaus got too candid on Kyle Busch’s legal troubles in Mexico
“Excited to race for another win in Mexico in 2025!” Busch wrote this on social media, confirming his trip to Mexico. Moreover, NASCAR also cleared the air surrounding his participation as the legal issues involving him were resolved. Chad Knaus was sharing his thoughts about the Xfinity Series races that happened back in the day. Mike Bagley, the host of the show, wanted Knau’s opinion on a race-related incident. “Well, that was until Adrian Fernandez got dumped in Turn 1, and then things got dicey down there.”
In response, the HMS vice president of competition questioned, “Wasn’t that Kyle Busch?” In a bid to try and divert the topic, the announcer replied, “Yep, leave it to Kyle to start an international incident.” But Knaus was caught up in the act, and spoke about Rowdy’s recent trouble with Mexican authorities, “He’s had trouble in Mexico a couple of times, hasn’t he? Kyle’s going to be calling me here in a minute.” Well, he realized that he had dropped the ball, but unfortunately, it was too late, and the whole SiriusXM Radio panel burst out in laughter.
Although Busch has gotten himself in deep waters with the local law enforcement authorities in Mexico, he’s had a memorable time competing on the racetrack. The 2008 Busch Series race, which was NASCAR’s last trip to Mexico, saw Kyle Busch take the checkered flag. So, this explains the enthusiasm the RCR driver has for his return to Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Rowdy returning to winning ways in Mexico City after a torrid 2024 outing would be one of the storylines to watch out for this year.
LINCOLN, AL – APRIL 23: Kyle Busch 8 of the McLaren Custom Grills Chevrolet celebrates in victory lane after winning the GEICO 500 in the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at the Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln, AL. Photo by Austin McAfee/Icon Sportswire AUTO: APR 23 NASCAR Cup Series GEICO 500 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon230423004
The 2024 NASCAR campaign is in the past, and Rowdy should be looking ahead towards a new year with optimism. His ardent supporters are rallying behind him, but it was indeed surprising to see Dale Jr. bat for the RCR driver.
Dale Jr. trusts Rowdy’s ability to stage a comeback in 2025
At 39, the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion can count his peak years racing in NASCAR on his fingers. We have seen drivers hit a plateau after reaching their forties in the modern era, thus highlighting the start of their fall from grace. Unable to win a single race during the 2024 campaign, critics and rival fans have begun to question Kyle Busch’s ability to compete at the highest level. But veteran driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. isn’t sold on this idea. Rather, he expects Rowdy to roar back to form with a motive to make amends for his recent setbacks.
“I just can never count out Kyle Busch; you just can’t… He has to be the most motivated guy out there. He does not like losing, and he certainly doesn’t like breaking streaks.” Dale Jr. shared this while speaking on Dale Jr. Download. If Rowdy was out of touch, he wouldn’t have been within touching distance of winning multiple races in 2024. The streak of bad luck started when he finished third in a thrilling three-wide photo finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
He did hit a rough patch from here, but the #8 RCR Chevy team roared back to life after the Olympic break. Had it not been for the fiery Chase Briscoe at the Southern 500, Kyle Busch could’ve had his first win of the season. It was as if the tides never turned in Rowdy’s favor even when he was on the cusp of winning a race. This happened at the fall race at Daytona. Despite leading the field on the late race restart, he had to settle for a silver medal.
One can only imagine the fire that might be burning inside of a fierce competitor like Busch. And Dale Jr. feels that the disappointments of 2024 will act as fuel that will spark a massive comeback run this year. “You’ll hear the comments where you can tell through what he’s saying that those things matter. To go winless last year…I think he feels like he’s gotta prove it all over again. So he’s going to be super determined.”
For some NASCAR pursuit, they would want to see Rowdy get back to winning ways on a traditional oval track. But they wouldn’t mind him winning an international points-paying race in Mexico either.
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