Van Gisbergen Wins NASCAR’s Mexico City Debut

Shane van Gisbergen won NASCAR's inaugural Cup Series race in Mexico City, dominating the Viva Mexico 250 by a record margin. Daniel Suárez captured the Xfinity Series win, energizing local fans as 90% of event attendees were from Mexico, including 44% from Mexico City. NASCAR executives expressed optimism about returning, revealing that multi-year contracts and future races are under consideration. Controversy arose when Spire Motorsports driver Carson Hocevar made derogatory livestream comments about Mexico City, leading to a $50,000 fine and mandatory sensitivity training, with the fine directed to Mexican charities. Hocevar's repeated on-track clashes, especially with Ricky Stenhouse Jr., also drew attention and reignited driver tensions. The event highlighted both NASCAR's international ambitions and the cultural challenges of expanding into new markets.