Although his average finish on road courses is just 18.9, Cole Custer supports NASCAR’s decision to return to Mexico City in 2026, embracing the challenge despite vocal criticism from fans concerned about safety. After his recent experience at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Custer’s outlook reflects optimism and confidence in the race’s potential. The Haas Factory Team driver highlights that, while logistical issues arose, the event offered valuable competitive moments and memorable experiences.
Coming off an eighth-place finish in Mexico City—his first top-10 of the 2023 season—Custer carried positive momentum into Pocono Raceway. He attributed his strong result to a combination of a well-performing car, tactical planning, and excellent pit crew work, calling the weekend a success for his team’s progress.
Insights From Competing on the Mexico City Road Course
Discussing the layout of the Mexico City circuit, Custer praised its design and racing quality. He identified several key passing points, such as Turns 1, 4, 11, and 12, calling the track “racy” with a considerable fall-off in car performance through the turns, making overtakes challenging but exciting. He described the track as “awesome” and expressed a willingness to race there again.
Custer acknowledged that the teams encountered logistical obstacles, particularly with unpredictable travel arrangements.
“It is logistically hard at times, we found that out as a team this week with our flights getting cancelled, but I feel like the second time around everything would be easier. I wouldn’t mind going back,”
he remarked.
Now competing in his first full Next Gen car season since 2022, Custer has noticed improved handling from the vehicles on road courses, yet he continues to seek his first top-five finish of the year after 16 races with an average finish of 24.38.
Experiencing the Unique Atmosphere of the Mexico City Stadium Section
While drivers such as Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, and Christopher Bell had previewed the stadium portion of the Mexico City circuit during a media visit, the full sensory impact surprised many once the entire NASCAR field encountered the setup in action. The circuit’s integration into a former baseball stadium created a distinct environment that stood out even to seasoned drivers.
Custer shared his amazement:
“It was cool. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a setup that was legitimately, I think it used to be a baseball stadium, and now you have a racetrack running through it, so it was pretty awesome,”
he said.
He added,
“I’ve never been a part of something like that, where it was so tailored around the fans and how they encapsulate the whole area. It was almost like you’re in Bristol, but a road course. It was a pretty cool dynamic.”
Looking Ahead: Pocono and Beyond
As Custer prepares for the race at Pocono, also known as the Tricky Triangle, he carries a history of early success at the track, including his first ARCA Menards Series victory in 2015. With seven Cup Series starts at Pocono and an average finish around 23.3, he aims to secure his first top-10 at this Pennsylvania tri-oval.
Custer’s support for NASCAR’s Mexico City return carries significance beyond just one driver’s perspective. It shows a readiness within the sport’s community to embrace global venues despite logistical and safety concerns. His positive remarks may energize teams and fans as NASCAR looks to expand its international footprint with this challenging, yet exhilarating road course.
