In a thrilling race last weekend, Denny Hamlin claimed victory at Michigan. Now, NASCAR hits a road course for the first time since Circuit of the Americas back in March as the best in the series head south of the border. For the first time since 1958, a NASCAR Cup Series race will be held outside the U.S. as the Viva Mexico 250 takes place in Mexico City.
Though NASCAR’s Xfinity Series has raced at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in the past, this marks the first time NASCAR’s top series will visit the circuit. With little previous experience to draw from, this race ought to prove a challenge for the drivers.
Let’s dive into the entry list.
2025 Viva Mexico 250 Entry List
Most notable on the entry list is the absence of last week’s winner, Denny Hamlin. With the arrival of a new child, Hamlin will miss Mexico City. In Hamlin’s place, Ryan Truex will pilot the #11 car for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Additionally, while Alex Bowman has been cleared to race after his horrific crash at Michigan last week, Anthony Alfredo is on standby duty for the #48 team.
Just one open car makes the trip to Mexico City. Katherine Legge pilots the #78 for Live Fast Motorsports.
We cannot wait to see the cars roll through the stadium section for the first time. 👀 pic.twitter.com/FrstDCBQUm
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 12, 2025
While the NASCAR NextGen Car hasn’t been the best on road courses, Circuit of the Americas earlier this year delivered a fantastic finish. Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez represents a different challenge, but I have high hopes nevertheless. One thing to keep an eye on come Sunday is the elevation.
At 7,000+ feet above sea level, this circuit represents the highest elevation NASCAR competes at by a significant margin. That elevation might cause serious engine issues if teams aren’t on their game. Keep an eye out for attrition.
2025 Viva Mexico 250 Race Predictions
We don’t have a ton of past experience to draw on for this race, but one driver who does have experience winning in Mexico City is Kyle Busch. Busch won here in the Xfinity Series and ran extremely well at Circuit of the Americas earlier this year. I expect the driver of the #8 to be in contention come Sunday.
The Trackhouse Racing stable ought to play a role in Sunday’s events as well. SVG has been a force on any road course NASCAR visits, and this is a home race for Daniel Suarez, a skilled road racer in his own right.
No part of this 15-turn race track is easy!
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 12, 2025
Get more familiar with the #NASCARMexico course. pic.twitter.com/iomONkNUnW
Like SVG, a list of potential winners on a road course isn’t complete without AJ Allmendinger. The driver of the #16 for Kaulig Racing will undoubtedly be at the front as well.
My official prediction for the race winner is a bit of a cop out. If rain plays a significant role on Sunday, Shane Van Gisbergen is my pick. If we stay dry, Kyle Busch comes out on top.
Either way, I’m looking forward to an incredible race this Sunday in Mexico.
Check out the schedule below so you don’t miss any on-track action this weekend.
Things have been shifted around a bit with travel issues for some teams, so keep an eye out for any additional changes.
Saturday 06/14
NASCAR Xfinity Series Qualifying – 11:10 a.m. CT on the CW App
NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying – 1:05 p.m. CT on Prime
The Chilango 150 (NASCAR Xfinity Series) – 3:30 p.m. CT on the CW
Pedro Rodriguez 100 (NASCAR Mexico Series) – 6:00 p.m. CT on MRN
Sunday 06/15
Viva Mexico 250 – 2:00 p.m. CT on Prime and Max
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