Cup Series Managing Director Brad Moran finally put the rumors to rest this Tuesday. It had been swirling for weeks about NASCAR potentially canceling its inaugural Mexico City Cup Series race, sparking speculation about a last-minute switch to Daytona’s road course. But Moran confirmed that the June 15 event at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez will proceed as planned.
The race marks NASCAR’s first points-paying international event since 1958, a cornerstone of its aggressive global expansion strategy. Moran’s assurances come amid political tensions between the U.S. and Mexico, fueling garage-area anxieties. Yet NASCAR remains steadfast, with expansion plans already eyeing other events in Brazil, Canada, and Europe.
Brad Moran Shuts Down Mexico City Cancellation Speculation
“We have a big drive on going global, and we’re definitely doing it,” Moran declared during a SiriusXM NASCAR Radio appearance.
“We’re definitely going. Everything’s set up. I’ve been there myself once. We’ve had teams that have been there for probably eight months or so, putting everything together.” He emphasized partnerships with Mexican concert promoter OCESA and dismissed rumors of logistical hiccups.
The speculation gained traction despite NASCAR’s recent promotional efforts, including a driver track walk with Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Daniel Suárez, and Bubba Wallace. FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass noted political tensions likely fueled the uncertainty.
“There are some in the garage who have anxiety about going (just like there was some, maybe not to same extent, about racing in Chicago,)” he tweeted. “I fully expect it to happen.”
Rumors of Mexico race not happening likely stem from the current state of relations between the two countries. And there are some in the garage who have anxiety about going (just like there was some, maybe not to same extent, about racing in Chicago). I fully expect it to happen. https://t.co/V32YmT4hsk
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 7, 2025
Moran’s team has navigated challenges before, including last year’s debut Chicago street race. The Mexico City event, paired with an Xfinity Series race on June 14, aims to replicate that success.
“This has been on our radar for a long time,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s chief racing innovation officer. “This is going to be certainly a monumental event for us, the first time we’re going south of the border.”
NASCAR’s Global Ambitions Extend Beyond Mexico City
While Mexico City anchors NASCAR’s 2025 international push, Moran hinted at broader horizons. Brazil, Canada, and Europe top the wishlist. The Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern reported discussions about moving the Clash exhibition race to Brazil as early as 2026.
“Next year, the event could be held overseas, possibly Brazil,” Stern wrote on X. “The racing property also looks to grow globally.”
.@NASCAR is using its season-opening Clash exhibition this year to go back to a classic venue that the Cup Series hasn't run at since 1971 in Bowman Gray Stadium, but next year the event could be held overseas, possibly Brazil, as the racing property also looks to grow globally. pic.twitter.com/1wwe3TVQTq
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) February 2, 2025
The strategy mirrors the NFL’s global playbook, leveraging marquee events to build overseas fanbases. Success in Mexico could pave the way for a Canadian return; the Cup Series hasn’t raced in the north since Lee Petty’s 1958 Toronto win. Meanwhile, the Clash’s potential move to South America signals NASCAR’s commitment to long-term growth.
Political hurdles and logistical complexities remain, but Moran’s confidence is unwavering. For now, all eyes stay on Mexico City. As Moran put it: “We’re ready to go.”