After completing his practice session at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Noah Gragson remained with his team to finish work on his backup car in preparation for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race in Mexico. This effort was captured in a video shared on social media, showing Gragson actively assisting with the #4 car, drawing praise from fans for his hands-on involvement.
Gragson experienced a mixed day during practice for the Viva Mexico 250 in Mexico City. The Front Row Motorsports driver recorded a lap time of 94.749 seconds, positioning him 21st overall, trailing Michael McDowell of Spire Motorsports by 0.725 seconds, who led the timesheet with a 94.024.
The practice session took an unfortunate turn when Gragson’s #4 car grazed the wall, prompting his team to call upon the backup vehicle for Sunday’s race. Despite the setback, the driver’s commitment to aiding the crew with the backup car underscores his determination ahead of the event.
Gragson’s Current Performance Stats and Road Course Background
So far this season, Noah Gragson has yet to secure a victory or clinch a playoff spot for the 2025 NASCAR season. He currently sits 31st in the Drivers’ Championship standings, having accumulated 224 points through 15 races. His season features one Top 5 finish and three Top 10 finishes, with average starting and finishing positions near 22nd place.
As the NASCAR schedule shifts focus to road courses for the upcoming races, Gragson’s past results on these tracks provide limited highlights. Last year, he managed an 11th-place finish at Watkins Glen and an eighth-place finish at the Circuit of The Americas in Texas during 2025. These marks reveal that while not at the front of the pack, Gragson holds potential as the series returns to these challenging venues.
Gragson Expresses Anticipation and Ambivalence Ahead of NASCAR’s Return to Mexico
With the Viva Mexico 250 set to mark NASCAR’s first race outside the United States in over twenty years, Noah Gragson openly shared his thoughts about the event and his upcoming opportunity to compete internationally. Speaking with media outlets, Gragson said,
“I’m not sure what to expect in Mexico, but I’m excited to get down there,” said Gragson. “It’s a big event for our sport and a great chance to connect with new fans, so it’s cool to be part of it. We’ve had speed every week-it just feels like luck hasn’t gone our way. Hopefully, that turns around this weekend.” —Noah Gragson, NASCAR driver
The NASCAR schedule in Mexico will include the Chilango 150, an Xfinity Series race covering 65 laps (157 miles), held on June 14 at 4:30 PM ET. The main event, the Viva Mexico 250 Cup Series race, will follow on June 15 at 3 PM ET, covering 100 laps and 241 miles.
Significance of Gragson’s Preparation and Season Outlook
Noah Gragson’s direct involvement with his backup car highlights his commitment to overcoming recent challenges after his practice incident. His hands-on approach with the crew in Mexico City reflects a determination to improve results as the NASCAR Cup Series moves into a new chapter with this significant international race. As the season progresses, how Gragson adapts to road courses and navigates the unique environment of the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez will play a key role in shaping his future standings.
