NASCAR’s inaugural International Cup Series race of the modern era is focused on attracting attention, particularly from new fans in the Mexico City Market.
The series will hit the track for the first of three days of racing at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez, a favorite location in the F1 calendar and the latest project by Venkennedy.
Kennedy, the great-grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., has expanded the family business beyond his previous boundaries.
In 2022, Kennedy transitioned from his long-standing base at Daytona International Speedway in Florida through a preseason exhibition match featuring a temporary truck built inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This year, he has transitioned to a collision at Madhouse – Historic Bowman Gray Stadium, where his last Cup race took place in 1971 in Winston Salem, North Carolina.
NASCAR under Kennedy has also returned to North Wilkesboro Speedway, marking the first event in North Carolina since the All-Star race relocated there three years ago. He has introduced dirt racing at Bristol Motor Speedway, a hybrid road course, and the Charlotte Motor Speedway oval, alongside his most ambitious venture: NASCAR’s first street race in downtown Chicago.
This weekend features the Xfinity series and the NASCAR Mexican series, marking a strong return to a market that quickly sells out F1 weekend ticket packages.
Mexican fans have demonstrated a passion for motorsports but have not had the opportunity to witness major NASCAR figures since 2008, the last year of the four-year Xfinity series. Notable winners during that time included Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, and Martin Truex Jr.
Former Xfinity champion and Monterrey native Daniel Suarez represents the NASCAR event. He has raced the circuit 13 times in various layouts within the NASCAR Mexico Series, achieving three victories.
“I’m really excited about this event. It’s a unique opportunity, and I’m eager to experience the moment,” Suarez shared. “While we aim to win, the focus is on performing well throughout the weekend and letting the result take care of itself.”
Discussions regarding the inclusion of Mexico City, one of the 38 events on the Cup Schedule, began approximately a year ago. NASCAR has meticulously worked on many logistics, starting with transporting 200 racetracks, cars, and equipment from Michigan International Speedway to Mexico City.
NASCAR official Tom Bryant has led the logistical efforts, making several trips to the border in Laredo, Texas, and coordinating with customs officials from both nations.
The journey from Michigan to Mexico City takes about 40 hours and involves navigating customs checks. All equipment and tools from each NASCAR carrier must be documented in detail. The Cup Series cars are expected to arrive in Laredo on Monday night, with a crossing planned for Tuesday and delivery to the venue scheduled for Thursday.
“A lot of coordination was necessary to ensure safe and efficient transportation across extensive borders,” Bryant explained on “The Transporter’s Story” NASCAR podcast.
“There’s much to consider, but the crux of the issue is defining the challenge. We need to move these people and items from one point to another within a specific timeframe,” he noted. “Our goal is to be ready to work as soon as we arrive, due to a tight schedule.”
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Source: apnews.com