Kyle Larson recently shared his perspective on what makes the NASCAR race in Mexico City particularly demanding. Ahead of NASCAR’s first points-paying event outside the United States since 1998, Larson discussed the most difficult feature of the Mexico City racetrack, highlighting how the unique conditions impact the race experience.
The Hendrick Motorsports driver identified a specific challenge stemming from the unusually low downforce levels, which dramatically affect the brake zones on the circuit. Larson described this brake management as the toughest part of the race for those competing in Mexico.
“I think you can see a lot of drivers kind of struggling with that yesterday. I think the sim kind of under-predicted that. So all the brake zones, we had to work to kind of back up, and then so you don’t lock up your rear tires and your front tires and whatnot. So yeah, that’s been the most challenging piece I think for most everybody,” Kyle Larson elaborated.
Despite these difficulties, Larson expressed that he has enjoyed the event overall, though he noted the experience felt noticeably different without the typical comforts of the usual NASCAR environment. Unlike regular race weekends, drivers are required to stay together in hotels and transport via shuttles instead of using their personal motor coaches.
This arrangement provided Larson the chance to engage more closely with his fellow drivers, a dynamic he felt was uncommon in normal NASCAR race settings, as the forced proximity encouraged more interaction among competitors.
“Yeah, yeah, I guess you could compare that. It’s been a long time since I’ve been on a school field trip, but it does feel like that.”
Larson Reflects on Shared Accommodations and Its Impact on NASCAR Weekends
During his media session, Larson was questioned whether any elements from the Mexico event could be incorporated into traditional NASCAR weekends. He expressed uncertainty about what specific changes might be beneficial, though he suggested that some aspects like driver introductions or podium ceremonies could be adapted.
However, Larson showed some hesitation about whether the more restrictive aspects of the Mexico setup—such as banning motorhomes and requiring everyone to stay in the same hotel—should become commonplace on other tracks like Pocono.
“I don’t know… I don’t know. I like hanging out with the other drivers, but I don’t know how you ban motorhomes and force us to stay at the same hotel in places like Pocono. But it’s fun,” he added.
As Larson approaches the race on June 15, he carries the momentum of a solid top-five finish in Michigan. Still, his performance in the season’s sole previous road course event at COTA was disappointing, ending in 32nd place. His feedback underscores the complexities and new challenges drivers face as NASCAR ventures beyond its US roots in Mexico City.
