NASCAR is making history with its inaugural points-paying races outside the United States, hosting the Viva Mexico 250 and the Chilango 150 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City. As part of this milestone, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has made a strategic decision impacting the lineup in the NASCAR Mexico Xfinity ride by replacing Shane van Gisbergen with Daniel Suarez, highlighting the importance of local representation and sponsorship ties in this unique event.
Daniel Suarez Takes Over the Xfinity Ride Backed by Local Support
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s team Trackhouse Racing has chosen Daniel Suarez to drive the No. 9 JR Motorsports entry in the Xfinity Series event, replacing Shane van Gisbergen, who was initially expected to compete in both the Cup and Xfinity races. With Suarez being the sole Mexican driver on the track, the move allows him to race in front of his home crowd, supported by sponsor Quaker State. Suarez expressed deep excitement about this opportunity, sharing,
“I have dreamed about racing in my home country every day since I left Mexico to chase my NASCAR dream in 2011,”
—Daniel Suarez, Driver.
He also spoke highly of the anticipated enthusiasm for NASCAR’s arrival in Mexico, adding,
“I think everyone is going to be amazed by the reception in Mexico. We want to make this weekend permanent on the NASCAR calendar for many years,”
—Daniel Suarez, Driver. This switch emphasizes the significance of local engagement in expanding NASCAR’s global footprint.
Shane van Gisbergen Remains Positive Despite Missing the Xfinity Race
Although Shane van Gisbergen will not compete in the Xfinity race, he remains eager to participate in the Cup Series event and embrace the challenge of road racing, a style well-suited to his Australian V8 Supercars background. As a New Zealander adapting to NASCAR’s mix of oval and road racing, he has faced some struggles on oval circuits since going full-time in NASCAR.
Van Gisbergen expressed enthusiasm about returning to road courses, saying,
“I’m looking forward to some right-handers, that’s for sure,”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver. He further noted,
“(We’ve) got some good tracks coming up, tracks I know, but obviously Mexico City is a fresh one for everyone. These ovals have been a big learning process the last couple of months, so it will be nice to have a break and turn right,”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver. His optimism signals readiness to tackle the unique challenges of Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez and regain momentum.
Since bursting onto the NASCAR scene with a debut victory at the Chicago Street Course, van Gisbergen aims to recapture that initial excitement in Mexico City. This weekend will be a crucial test for him as he navigates a track unfamiliar to the entire series.
The Broader Impact of NASCAR’s Expansion into Mexico
NASCAR’s decision to hold points-paying events at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez marks a significant expansion of the sport beyond traditional borders, bringing new challenges and opportunities. By prioritizing national representation through Suarez’s inclusion in the Xfinity race, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Trackhouse Racing are fostering a connection with the local fan base and sponsors like Quaker State, which could help cement NASCAR’s presence in Mexico.
For van Gisbergen, the experience adds valuable road course exposure and offers a chance to adjust strategies after a tough oval racing stint. This weekend’s races will test all drivers’ adaptability and highlight NASCAR’s growing international appeal. The reception in Mexico and the performances on this new stage could influence whether such international stops become permanent fixtures on the NASCAR calendar.
