NASCAR Cup Series Makes Historic debut in Mexico city
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The NASCAR Cup Series is making history this weekend with its first-ever race in Mexico City, marking a important step in the sport’s international expansion. The inaugural Viva Mexico 250 at the Autรณdromo Hermanos Rodrรญguez promises high-octane action as drivers navigate the challenging road course.
Van Gisbergen Claims Pole Position
Shane van Gisbergen, known for his expertise on road courses, secured the pole position during Saturday’s qualifying session. His fastest lap averaged 93.904 mph around the 2.4-mile, 15-turn track. The qualifying session was shortened by 17 minutes due to rain, adding an element of unpredictability. Ryan Preece will start alongside van Gisbergen in the front row.
did You Know? The Autรณdromo Hermanos Rodrรญguez is named after Ricardo and Pedro Rodrรญguez, two famous Mexican racing drivers.
Race Details and Coverage
The Viva Mexico 250 is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, with coverage beginning at 3 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime Video.The Xfinity series will also be racing in Mexico City, with the Chilanga 150 set to begin at 4:30 p.m. ET on The CW.
Pro Tip: Check your local listings to confirm broadcast times and availability.
Starting Lineup for the viva Mexico 250
Here’s a look at the top 10 starting positions for sunday’s race:
| Position | Driver | Team | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shane van Gisbergen | Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet | 1:32.776 |
| 2 | Ryan Preece | RFK racing Ford | 1:32.840 |
| 3 | Ross Chastain | Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet | 1:32.849 |
| 4 | Ty Gibbs | Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota | 1:32.921 |
| 5 | Michael McDowell | Spire Motorsports Chevrolet | 1:32.974 |
| 6 | Kyle Larson | Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet | 1:32.984 |
| 7 | Todd Gilliland | Front Row Motorsports Ford | 1:33.020 |
| 8 | AJ Allmendinger | Kaulig Racing Chevrolet | 1:33.022 |
| 9 | Joey Logano | Team Penske Ford | 1:33.049 |
| 10 | Daniel Suarez | Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet | 1:33.061 |
Complete NASCAR Cup Series Lineup
- Shane van Gisbergen, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet (1:32.776 seconds)
- Ryan Preece, No. 60 RFK Racing Ford (1:32.840)
- Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet (1:32.849)
- ty Gibbs, No. 54 joe Gibbs Racing Toyota (1:32.921)
- Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet (1:32.974)
- Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet (1:32.984)
- Todd gilliland, No. 34 Front Row Motorsports ford (1:33.020)
- AJ Allmendinger,No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet (1:33.022)
- Joey Logano, No. 22 Team Penske Ford (1:33.049)
- Daniel Suarez, No.99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet (1:33.061)
- Kyle Busch,no. 8 Richard Childress racing Chevrolet (1:33.084)
- Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet (1:33.108)
- Josh Berry, No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford (1:33.158)
- Erik Jones, No.43 Legacy Motor Club Toyota (1:33.194)
- Riley Herbst, No. 35 23XI Racing Toyota (1:33.201)
- Chris Buescher, No. 17 Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford (1:33.206)
- Justin Haley, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet (1:33.234)
- Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Team Penske Ford (1:33.247)
- Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Joe gibbs racing Toyota (1:33.257)
- Austin Cindric, No. 2 Team Penske Ford (1:33.319)
- Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet (1:33.342)
- Tyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota (1:33.345)
- Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet (1:33.351)
- Zane Smith, no. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford (1:33.365)
- Bubba Wallace, No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota (1:33.426)
- Cole Custer, No. 41 Haas Factory Team Ford (1:33.428)
- William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick motorsports Chevrolet (1:33.458)
- Ty Dillon, No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet (1:33.595)
- alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet (1:33.604)
- Brad Keselowski,No.6 Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford (1:33.707)
- Christopher Bell, no. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota (1:33.720)
- John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42 Legacy Motor Club Toyota (1:34.058)
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr., no. 47 HYAK Motorsports chevrolet (1:34.152)
- Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware racing Ford (1:34.213)
- Noah Gragson, No. 4 Front Row Motorsports Ford (1:34.416)
- Ryan Truex, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota (1:34.624)
- Katherine Legge, No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet (1:35.910)
The Growth of NASCAR in Latin America
NASCAR’s expansion into Mexico represents a strategic effort to broaden its fanbase and tap into new markets. The sport has seen increasing interest from Latin American audiences, and hosting races in Mexico provides an prospect to connect with these fans directly. this move aligns with other international racing series, such as Formula 1, which have successfully established a presence in Latin America.
The Autรณdromo Hermanos Rodrรญguez, a historic track with a rich racing heritage, offers a unique challenge for NASCAR drivers. Its combination of high-speed straights and technical corners tests both the cars and the drivers,promising an exciting race for fans.
Frequently Asked Questions About NASCAR in Mexico City
- What are the key challenges of racing at the autรณdromo hermanos rodrรญguez?
- The track’s high altitude, technical corners, and long straights present unique challenges for drivers and engineers. Teams must carefully manage engine performance and aerodynamics to optimize their cars for the conditions.
- How does the international expansion benefit NASCAR?
- International races increase NASCAR’s global visibility, attract new sponsors, and create opportunities for growth in emerging markets.
- What impact does Shane van gisbergen’s pole position have on the race?
- Starting from the pole gives van Gisbergen a significant advantage, but he will need to maintain his lead and navigate the challenging track to secure the win.
- How does the Viva Mexico 250 contribute to the local economy?
- The race brings tourism revenue, creates jobs, and generates economic activity in mexico City, benefiting local businesses and communities.
- What are the long-term plans for NASCAR in Mexico?
- NASCAR aims to establish a enduring presence in Mexico, potentially including more races and increased involvement with local drivers and teams.
What are your predictions for the Viva Mexico 250? Who do you think will take home the win?
Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!