Van Gisbergen and NASCAR Thrill Fans in Colorful Mexico City Debut

Shane van Gisbergen stood on the top step of the podium, wearing a large sombrero and celebrating with a spray of champagne after winning the Viva Mexico 250 on June 17, 2025. This marked the first time in more than fifty years that NASCAR held a points race outside the United States, taking place at the famous Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City.

The race attracted attention from drivers, teams, officials, and fans, all eager to be part of this international milestone for the NASCAR Cup Series. Despite some challenges earlier in the week, the event was praised for its smooth execution and the energy brought by local fans.

Image credit: speedwaydigest.com

Throughout the weekend, drivers from different teams like Front Row Motorsports, Spire Motorsports, and 23XI Racing connected with crowds who cheered them on every step of the way. Bubba Wallace, Michael McDowell, and Todd Gilliland each noted the size and passion of their fan groups, with constant excitement filling the paddock and the fan areas.

Daniel Suárez, racing for Trackhouse Racing and the only Mexican driver in the Cup Series, received overwhelming support from the hometown crowd. Fans followed him around the track, wore his merchandise, and waved hand-made signs with his name.

On Saturday, Suárez captured a victory in the Xfinity Series race before running with the leaders in Sunday’s Cup event. His 19th-place finish in the Cup race did little to dim the celebration, as he was greeted like a hero at every turn.

Image credit: www.autoracing1.com

Jeff Gordon, a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame and now an executive at Hendrick Motorsports, joined the event by giving the start command in a mix of Spanish and English for the fans in the grandstands. He talked about the strong enthusiasm in Mexico City and the great opportunity this race created for NASCAR’s global growth.

Gordon said the passion and excitement in the stadium were clear signs that the sport has many dedicated followers in Mexico. Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s executive vice president, commented on the crowd’s makeup, sharing that 90% came from within Mexico and nearly half from Mexico City itself.

Kennedy called the race a historic moment for both NASCAR and the broader motorsports world. He explained that organizing such an event came with a lot of planning and a few lessons to learn, but that the success of the weekend was clear to everyone involved.

NASCAR’s move into Mexico City continues a trend of bold experiments, following previous races at new venues like the Los Angeles Coliseum and the street course in Chicago. Kennedy explained that these steps are part of the sport’s effort to reach new fans and markets.

He said the energy from Mexican fans proved how racing can bring people together from different backgrounds to share in the excitement of the sport. As NASCAR reviews the event and considers future locations, many drivers, fans, and officials hope to see the series return to Mexico City soon.

The Fiesta of Speed in Mexico City showed that racing can unite communities and set new records for international excitement in the Cup Series.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.