Revitalizing NASCAR’s Mexico City Race: A New Chapter for Drivers and Fans Alike
A Prime Opportunity for Emerging Talents and Seasoned Contenders
Mexico City’s upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race presents a pivotal moment for drivers eager to secure their first victory of the 2025 season. Among the frontrunners are local favorite Daniel Suárez, the versatile Shane van Gisbergen, and road course specialist A.J. Allmendinger-all of whom possess a realistic shot at claiming victory on Sunday’s challenging circuit.
While only three drivers in this weekend’s field-Kyle Busch, Brad Keselowski, and Denny Hamlin-have previous experience racing at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez during the Xfinity Series visits from 2005 to 2008, Allmendinger’s history with the track runs deeper. His past includes notable performances during his Champ Car days, where he finished third in 2004 and improved to second in 2005.
A Veteran’s Reflection on Returning to a Historic Venue
“I can’t believe it’s been two decades,” Allmendinger remarked in an interview with Motorsport.com’s Luis Ramírez. “It’s a real privilege to come back after all these years and still be competing at this level. I have vivid memories of the atmosphere during the Champ Car races-such an electric environment. I can only imagine what it will be like with a Cup race now. The energy, the crowd, the pre-race festivities-everything about that track has always resonated with me. Although the layout has changed somewhat since my last visit, I’m genuinely excited to experience it again. The anticipation has been building, and I hope the weather cooperates-perfect conditions would make it even better. I can’t wait to get there.”
Strategic Approaches: Competing for Points or Pursuing Victory
Currently, Allmendinger trails the playoff cutoff by just 18 points, making this race a critical juncture. A victory would secure his spot in the upcoming ten-race championship playoff, especially with four remaining road courses on the schedule, starting with Mexico City. Despite this, he maintains a pragmatic outlook, emphasizing the importance of consistent performance over sheer necessity.
“Right now, it’s not solely about winning,” Allmendinger explained. “Points are still within reach, and anything can happen-like SVG (Shane van Gisbergen), who’s 33rd in points, winning this race and shaking things up. But as of today, we’re still in the hunt for the playoffs. These upcoming road courses are excellent opportunities for us to capitalize on our strengths and aim for wins.”
That said, the competition is intensifying. The field is closing the gap, and Allmendinger admits that claiming victories, especially on road courses, remains a formidable challenge.
Can Kaulig Break Through on Ovals in 2025?
While Allmendinger’s victories have predominantly come on road courses, his potential to triumph on oval tracks this season remains a tantalizing prospect. His recent fourth-place finish at the Coca-Cola 600 underscores his versatility and competitiveness on traditional oval circuits. As a driver with a proven track record across various oval types-short tracks, superspeedways, and intermediate tracks-he’s optimistic about the possibility.
“Kaulig Racing is still a relatively young team in the Cup Series,” Allmendinger noted. “But I’ve shown over the years that I can perform on ovals. We’ve won on every type of oval-short tracks, mile-and-a-half, superspeedways. The Coca-Cola 600 proved we can run at the front with the best. Maybe this is the year we finally break through on ovals, but we’ll keep pushing and making the most of every race weekend.”
His adaptability extends beyond NASCAR, with success in open-wheel and sports car racing, making him one of the most versatile drivers in the sport. Approaching his 500th career start, Allmendinger’s journey exemplifies resilience and continuous growth.
A Career Marked by Persistence and Versatility
Reflecting on his career, the 43-year-old driver describes his early years in NASCAR as a steep learning curve. Entering the sport with Red Bull Racing in 2007, he faced intense competition during a period when the field was densely packed, often with 50 or more cars vying for a limited number of spots. His initial seasons felt like constant adaptation, akin to learning how to walk again.
“From the start, I was trying to prove I belonged here,” Allmendinger shared. “Even after several years, I still felt like a rookie, always striving to show I could compete at this level. If someone had told me back in 2007 that I’d still be racing in 2025, I’d have thought they were crazy. But here I am, grateful and fortunate to still be part of this sport, still fighting and still competitive.”
His perseverance paid off, notably with a playoff appearance in 2014, secured by a memorable road course victory. This achievement remains a highlight, especially considering Kaulig Racing’s ongoing quest to reach the playoffs for the first time in its Cup Series history.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Playoffs
As the 2025 season progresses, nine drivers have already secured their spots in the playoffs, with seven remaining berths up for grabs with 11 races left in the regular season. For Allmendinger and Kaulig Racing, the journey is far from over. Their focus remains on maximizing every opportunity, whether on road courses or ovals, to secure a postseason berth.
In summary, this season continues to showcase the resilience, adaptability, and competitive spirit of drivers like Allmendinger. With each race, they demonstrate that experience and determination can defy expectations, promising an exciting stretch run toward the playoffs and beyond.
