NASCAR’s 2025 season marked a historic moment by bringing the Cup Series points race to Mexico City for the first time since 1958. At the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Bubba Wallace NASCAR popularity in Mexico surged as the American driver captivated fans with his genuine charm and strong performances, proving the sport’s growing appeal south of the border.
A Historic NASCAR Weekend at Mexico City
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez came alive with an enthusiastic crowd eager to witness NASCAR’s first full points race in Mexico in nearly seven decades. Racing enthusiasts filled the grandstands, their cheers and flags creating an electric atmosphere reminiscent of Daytona’s iconic vibe. Despite logistical challenges like delayed haulers, the Viva México 250 event successfully introduced stock car racing to a fresh and vibrant audience, underscoring NASCAR’s international expansion ambitions.
Mexico’s own Daniel Suárez emerged as a standout figure during the weekend by winning the Xfinity Series Chilango 150. Starting last due to a qualifying crash that forced him into a backup car, Suárez masterfully maneuvered through the field, leading 19 laps and narrowly outpacing Taylor Gray to secure a memorable victory. This win further solidified Suárez’s role as a symbol of NASCAR’s growth in the region, elevating local enthusiasm. Meanwhile, Bubba Wallace attracted significant attention, engaging warmly with fans who eagerly requested autographs and photos throughout the event.
Fans Mob Bubba Wallace with Excitement and Admiration
Bubba Wallace’s presence at the track generated waves of excitement, as he repeatedly stopped to sign memorabilia and interact with supporters despite tight security. Journalist Bob Pockrass documented these moments, highlighting how fans swarmed the 23XI Racing star as he made his way to the racetrack. Michael McDowell of Spire Motorsports also received admiration, but the intensity surrounding Wallace was particularly notable, catching NASCAR enthusiasts by surprise.
A Reddit post titled
“Bubba Wallace is very popular in Mexico”
went viral, displaying a video of Wallace surrounded by adoring fans clamoring for his autograph. One fan commented,
“I’m starting to think nascar may be more popular in Mexico than in America.”
While NASCAR has deep roots in the United States and a dedicated NASCAR Mexico Series since 2004, the overwhelming support for Wallace at Mexico City’s races suggests a growing and passionate fanbase in the country. Although Mexico has yet to surpass the U.S. in official NASCAR popularity metrics, the enthusiastic response to Wallace demonstrates a genuine cultural connection.
What Makes Bubba Wallace Stand Out to Mexican Fans
Fans credit Wallace’s authentic personality as a key factor in his widespread appeal. One admirer shared,
“He’s easily one of the most relatable drivers to me. Whenever he talks he just sounds like a down to earth, regular dude. He actually has some dimension, unlike a lot of monotone drivers. He should be popular. His Larson incident was obviously pretty bad but it was Larson, he mighta had that one coming if we’re honest. Outside of that what bad can you say about the guy?”
This relatability, combined with Wallace’s openness about his own struggles, including his 2019 depression diagnosis, has helped him cultivate a genuine connection with fans. His presence on social media platforms such as TikTok, where he shares candid moments and gaming clips from his “man cave,” further humanizes him and endears him to followers.
Another fan highlighted the bond Wallace built through social media collaborations, noting,
“Well, he did turn into a Mexican rather quickly over the course of 3 days in MC and won the xfinity race yesterday. Kinda comes with the territory,”
referencing a humorous video featuring Wallace and Suárez where the two jokingly swap cultural identities over the weekend. This playful approach made Wallace even more relatable to Mexican fans familiar with Suárez’s popularity at home.
Additional recognition came for Wallace’s recent competitive form. One observer remarked,
“Bubba’s personality, Prime, and continued good races. This is a very successful season so far.”
The increased coverage on Prime Video, which many regard as an improvement over previous broadcasters, has spotlighted Wallace’s season highlights, including his three top-five finishes and six top-10s in 15 races. His steady movement up the points standings, ranking 10th with 383 points, and strong performances on road courses have made him a driver to watch. Wallace’s lighthearted press conference in Mexico, where he donned a lucha libre mask despite accidentally dropping it, further endeared him to fans and contributed to the event’s festive mood.
NASCAR’s Bold Expansion and the Growing Fan Connection
The enthusiastic reception of Wallace and other drivers at the Mexico City race weekend highlights NASCAR’s successful efforts to broaden its fanbase beyond American borders. One fan summarized the experience, stating,
“Not gonna lie, seeing drivers being welcomed so openly by fans all weekend is dope. Definitely help building the bridge to create new fans and a connection with long term fans that never had this kind of opportunity.”
This weekend demonstrated a rare and heartwarming moment where multiple drivers enjoyed genuine fan appreciation, reflecting well on the sport’s expanding international prospects.
With drivers like Bubba Wallace emerging as fan favorites in Mexico, NASCAR’s future outside the United States looks promising. The sport’s willingness to embrace new markets and foster relationships with diverse audiences may set the stage for sustained growth and increased global relevance. As the season continues, the momentum from Mexico City could inspire more international races and deepen the connection between NASCAR and its passionate Mexican fanbase.
