Bubba Wallace recently expressed his views on NASCAR’s plan to expand its racing events beyond the United States, with the sport scheduled to visit Mexico City in 2025 for the first points-paying race outside the US since 1998. Wallace, a driver for 23XI Racing, welcomed this move as a significant advancement but stressed that logistical issues need to be addressed to ensure success.
Before the Mexico weekend, Wallace praised NASCAR’s decision to enter the Mexican market, calling it a “massive step” forward. He noted that handling the complexities of international travel and operations will be key to expanding successfully in new regions. Several NASCAR officials experienced notable logistical difficulties traveling to Mexico, as a flight carrying many insiders, including Dale Earnhardt Jr., was delayed, forcing them to find alternate routes to arrive.
“I think if we can all come together and come up with some solid plan that we won’t have to run into that issue again. Nothing is ever the same. I think it can be done. I think the leadership has done a good job with everything that is in place for us to get here and put on an event for the local crowd here in Mexico. The real answer to that will be post-race once we all see it all – like this is my first couple of hours on the race track grounds, and I’ve enjoyed it so far,” Wallace elaborated.
Wallace indicated that he has had an enjoyable experience both at the track and off it, reinforcing his belief that NASCAR can replicate this favorable atmosphere in other international markets as long as logistical challenges are resolved.
Wallace shares his appreciation for Mexican culture and cuisine
During a press conference before the Mexico race, Bubba Wallace talked about his time experiencing local culture and gastronomy since arriving in Mexico on Wednesday. He highlighted his participation in water-based racing activities and his immersion in elements of Mexican life outside of the track.
The driver was particularly struck by the Mexican love for spicy food, which he compared to the heat levels found in American cuisine. Wallace appreciated how Mexican restaurants provide clear warnings about the range of spice intensities their sauces offer, contrasting it with his home experience.
“I think the spice levels here compared to back home in the States – is they will bring out three different sauces, right, and they will be like this one is good, this one is medium and this one is really hot – they warn you beforehand, and we do the same – this one is really hot, well when you get home, ours is stupid hot – no flavor, nothing at all,” Bubba Wallace elaborated.
This cultural exchange has added a unique dimension to Wallace’s trip, which goes beyond competition into appreciating local traditions.
Early season performance and future outlook for Wallace in Mexico
Looking at his current NASCAR season, Wallace has secured three finishes within the top five, the latest coming at the Michigan race just last Sunday. As he prepares to compete in Mexico, his performance will be closely watched to see how he adapts to this new international venue.
With NASCAR expanding its events to new countries, Wallace’s call for improving logistical coordination underlines the importance of operational smoothness to support drivers, teams, and officials alike. Successfully managing these challenges could pave the way for further growth of NASCAR in global markets and enhance its fan base worldwide.
