NASCAR is bringing its trademark chaos and the fury of its close-quarter racing to Mexico on June 15. Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez will be the cathedral of the Cup Series for this weekend, with the Viva Mexico 250 taking center stage.
Among several new twists for the event is the introduction of a revamped podium-style celebration that marks a rare shift from tradition. Cup Series veteran Michael McDowell is already on board, embracing the change.
NASCAR Redefines Victory in Mexico; Michael McDowell Approves
For the first time in a points-paying Cup Series race, NASCAR will recognize the top three finishers with a podium celebration during this weekend’s event at CDMX. While podium ceremonies are standard in other motorsports like Formula One and IndyCar, NASCAR usually celebrates only the race winner in its U.S.-based series.
The only previous instance of a podium format in the Cup Series came during the Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum from 2022 to 2024. That event featured Olympic-style medal presentations: gold for the winner, silver for the runner-up, and bronze for third, paying tribute to the venue’s Olympic legacy.
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Now, at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, the Stock Car Racing giant is returning that concept to the international stage. The Xfinity and Cup Series races on June 14 and 15 will feature podium celebrations, marking a significant and symbolic shift as the sport stages its first international Cup points race since 1958.
40-year-old veteran McDowell, who’s no stranger to podium ceremonies from his early days in karting and open-wheel racing, welcomed the new format and reflected on the change.
#NASCAR will have a podium celebration for the top three finishers in the Xfinity and Cup races this weekend in Mexico. Michael McDowell has a strong take on this idea … pic.twitter.com/xWDB35q0k2
— Dustin Long (@dustinlong) June 10, 2025
“I love it; I know that that’s not traditionally what our sport has done, but I’m not traditionally from the sport. So, I know the value for teams and for partners and everybody involved to be a part of a podium celebration.”
McDowell continued, “It’s not victory lane, but it’s close to it, and it’s fun to be able to do that, celebrate that as a team. And I think for me, I’m used to that. That’s what I grew up (doing) — podiums, all the way from karting through open-wheel cars and sports cars.”
In his conversation with Dustin Long, the Spire Motorsports driver, he also noted that he had suggested the idea four or five years ago, but was only met with skepticism. Now, with the organization finally embracing it in Mexico City, he is thrilled to see it become a reality.