Joey Logano Applauds NASCAR’s Bold Move Beyond Comfort Zone

Joey Logano is heading into a historic NASCAR Cup Series race as the series visits Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez for the first time ever. The three-time champion from Team Penske spoke about the challenges drivers are facing this weekend.

Most of the field has never raced at this track, bringing a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Logano said it’s not just about learning the circuit but also about getting used to everything that comes with racing south of the border.

He was impressed by the effort of teams and officials, recognizing how much planning went into moving the entire event, including dozens of team haulers, into Mexico.

This weekend’s event stands out because it marks the Cup Series’ first points-paying race outside the United States in 67 years. Previous international events included exhibition races in Japan and Australia during the 1980s and 1990s, but none have counted toward the championship since a race in Canada in 1958.

Now, with the series arriving in Mexico for an official event, NASCAR seems to be looking at broader international opportunities. When asked about the possibility of more overseas races, Logano described this move as “stepping out of our comfort zone.”

He believes taking these chances helps a sport grow and brings new opportunities. Logano added that the fans in Mexico are enthusiastic and the move to this country was logical, given how logistical challenges are more manageable compared to places requiring air or sea freight for team equipment.

Despite Logano’s impressive career—he’s the only active driver with more than two Cup titles—success on road courses hasn’t come easily. Just one of his 37 Cup wins took place on a road course, which was back at Watkins Glen in 2015.

Logano admitted adapting has been tough since most of his career was built on short track ovals. He explained that repeated road course events in recent years have helped him get more comfortable, but success still requires many things to come together on these types of tracks.

Complicating matters for drivers, the weather forecast is showing a chance of rain for race day. Logano acknowledged the extra challenge wet conditions could bring, joking that if everything else is new, it might as well rain too.

NASCAR is prepared, with six sets of wet-weather tires available per team, and has tested wet conditions on both oval and road courses in past seasons. Still, Logano hopes that, if showers do arrive, they’re light enough to allow racing to continue without major delays.

This race may signal a new chapter for NASCAR and could spark even more international events if it goes well. Officials and teams will be watching closely to see how fans respond and whether the Cup Series can adapt to new venues.

For Joey Logano, it’s another chance to compete at the highest level, face fresh challenges, and contribute to NASCAR’s global growth, even as he chases that elusive second road course win, much like drivers learning complex circuits seen in events such as the Monaco GP scenario.