NASCAR made history by holding its first-ever points race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, introducing a new podium celebration tradition that left drivers Christopher Bell and Chase Elliott humorously off guard. The unexpected champagne mishap during the podium ceremony brought a lighthearted moment to an intense race weekend in Mexico’s vibrant capital.
Unexpected Champagne Challenges at NASCAR’s Mexico City Podium
The inaugural NASCAR event on this historic road course concluded with Shane van Gisbergen claiming victory, while Christopher Bell and Chase Elliott completed the podium in second and third place respectively amid challenging rainy conditions. To honor the top three finishers, race officials arranged a formal podium celebration reminiscent of Formula 1, complete with champagne sprays and trophy presentations.
Despite NASCAR drivers occasionally using champagne in personal celebrations, most were unfamiliar with the full-scale podium ritual. This lack of experience showed when Bell and Elliott struggled to open their champagne bottles properly, resulting in a comical and awkward scene witnessed by the teams and viewers alike. Shane van Gisbergen, accustomed to such ceremonies, confidently unleashed a full spray of champagne over his fellow racers, easing the moment.
Chase Elliott later reflected on the incident via social media, admitting that neither he nor Bell were adept at the champagne-spraying tradition at the outset. Elliott noted that while they initially fumbled, Bell eventually managed to produce a decent spray, turning the moment into a memorable part of NASCAR’s first race outside of the United States in many years.
Christopher Bell Spotlights Track Similarities with Indianapolis Road Course
For many drivers, including Christopher Bell, the Mexican circuit was a fresh challenge since most had never competed on the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez before. Bell, however, found the layout and racing conditions remarkably similar to the Indianapolis Road Course, which helped him adapt quickly despite limited prior experience.
The narrow lanes and technical sections of the Mexico track, combined with comparable grip levels, reminded Bell of Indianapolis, aiding his focus and strategy as he battled for a strong finish. The familiarity with a similar type of road course allowed Bell to perform at a high level, ultimately securing second place on the podium.
“I don’t know about one word, but for me, it really reminds myself of Indianapolis, the Indy Road Course. It has a lot of similarities. I feel like the grip level um and and honestly the track layout is very similar.” —Christopher Bell, via Cup Scene
Future Prospects for NASCAR in Mexico Amid Logistical Hurdles
While the race‘s thrilling action and positive reception highlight the potential of NASCAR’s international expansion, significant logistical challenges remain. Many teams and drivers encountered difficulties managing overseas travel, which could impact the series’ ability to consistently return to Mexico City.
NASCAR executives are closely monitoring attendance and viewership metrics to determine whether to include Mexico City on future calendars. Ensuring smoother operational conditions for teams will be vital before committing to another race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez within the broader goal of tapping into the passionate fan base in Mexico and expanding NASCAR’s global footprint.
The Mexico City event showcased a fresh chapter for the series, blending a unique race venue with a new podium experience, albeit with a few humorous growing pains. How NASCAR addresses the challenges faced here will likely influence the sport’s approach to further international races in upcoming seasons.
