Hauler Talk: Breaking Down Mexico City Wet-Weather Tire Rules

Rain is a key factor heading into NASCAR’s first Cup Series weekend in Mexico City at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Teams are preparing for the possibility of wet conditions for the 100-lap event scheduled for Sunday, June 15.

While the weather remains unpredictable, teams can now use a clear set of wet-weather tire rules that simplify race-day decisions. Unlike NASCAR’s approach on short tracks, the rules for this road course make things more straightforward for crews managing tire strategy.

Before the race begins, if rain is present, teams may choose either dry tires, known as slicks, or wet-weather tires, sometimes called rain tires. This choice is made for the parade lap.

Teams can then confirm which tires they want to start the race on, and there is no penalty for switching between types before the green flag drops. Once racing begins, all future tire changes and strategies are left entirely to the crew chiefs and their teams.

NASCAR will not dictate tire selections after the start, and pit stops will run under the usual competition rules for road courses.

Mike Forde, the managing director of racing communications for NASCAR, discussed these changes during a recent episode of the “Hauler Talk” podcast. He compared the simplicity of the road course tire rules to the more complex systems in place for NASCAR’s short ovals.

Starting in 2023, NASCAR began allowing wet-weather tires on ovals one mile or less in length, beginning with the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Wet tires were also used at Richmond Raceway and New Hampshire Motor Speedway last season.

After a race at New Hampshire, a tweak allowed teams to control their supply of wet tires during regular caution periods, but NASCAR staff still decides when slicks or wets are used if the track is damp on a short oval.

NASCAR’s goal for future short-track races is to offer teams as much freedom with wet-weather tire use as currently exists on road and street courses. This planned evolution would allow for fully competitive pit stops, where the timing and strategy are entirely the team’s choice.

Throughout the Hauler Talk episode, other competition topics were discussed, including preparations for the fan experience in Mexico City and the return of Ram trucks to the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. Ram is targeting the 2026 season, with a deadline of August 15 for its first wind tunnel test with NASCAR officials.

The show also highlighted important safety updates. NASCAR officials visited Hendrick Motorsports to inspect the No. 48 Chevrolet after Alex Bowman’s crash in Michigan.

According to Forde, the team and officials were satisfied with the car’s safety features, and Bowman expects to compete this weekend in Mexico City. The podcast further touched on Dodge’s ongoing 18-month process of possibly rejoining the Cup Series.

A new AVL dynamometer is being installed at NASCAR’s R&D Center. This multimillion-dollar project, expected to be finished by year-end, will help set the future standards for the Next Gen engine used in the Cup Series.

Brad Keselowski’s speeding penalty in Michigan was also discussed, bringing light to rules teams must constantly navigate. NASCAR continues to update rules and procedures to keep racing safe and competitive, whether on short tracks, ovals, or road courses like the one in Mexico City.

Fans, drivers, and teams remain focused on race day, with weather and tire strategy expected to play a major part in the outcome.