Get ready, NASCAR fans — the NASCAR Cup Series is set to make motorsport history this weekend with the inaugural Viva México 250 at Mexico City’s legendary Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
This groundbreaking event marks the first points-paying Cup Series race outside the United States since 1958 and represents NASCAR’s boldest step yet in its international expansion efforts. And while the ride to get here has been a bit bumpy, with logistical issues and conversations about the altitude and track, NASCAR is officially going global.
The Cup Series race starts on Sunday, June 15, and it’s going to be quite the challenge. The track sits 7,500 feet above sea level with a lot of tricky turns packed into 2.4 miles. Drivers will tackle 100 laps, making it a true test of skill on this technical road course. It’s also the second seeding race for NASCAR’s new In-Season Challenge, so there’s extra pressure on the line.
NASCAR’s Viva México 250 Schedule Affected by Travel Issues
Things kick off on Friday, June 13, with Cup Series practice sessions. Saturday, June 14, brings qualifying rounds and the NASCAR Xfinity Series race — the Chilango 150. Then, the big show comes on Sunday, June 15, at 3 p.m. ET.
However, the initial schedule was affected by travel issues, as plane problems hit NASCAR. Two aircraft issues grounded multiple race teams in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, June 12, amid travel to Mexico City.
Xfinity Series practices were initially scheduled for Friday but were moved to Saturday, marking a busy day for race teams. As well, the NASCAR Mexico Series races changed times to account for travel delays. The main events on June 15 were unaffected by schedule changes.
If you’re watching from the U.S., you’ll need Prime Video to catch all the Cup Series action. Don’t have it? No worries — new subscribers get a 30-day free trial, so you’re covered. The Xfinity race will be on regular TV through The CW Network, and you can stream their practice sessions on the CW App. Radio fans can tune into MRN or SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
For folks in Mexico, it’s even easier. Canal 5 is showing the whole race for free with Spanish commentary. You can also catch highlights later on ViX and other TelevisaUnivision apps.
Updated NASCAR Viva México 250 schedule. All times in Eastern Time unless noted otherwise.
Friday, June 13
- 11:00 a.m. — NASCAR Mexico Series practice and qualifying (MRN Radio)
- 1:30 p.m. — Ricardo Rodriguez 120 (MRN Radio)
- 4:05 p.m. — Cup Series first practice (Prime, MRN Radio, Sirius XM NASCAR Radio)
- 5:30 p.m. — Cup Series second practice (Prime, MRN Radio, Sirius XM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday, June 14
- 11:05 a.m. — Xfinity Series practice (CW App)
- 12:10 p.m. — Xfinity Series qualifying (CW App)
- 2:05 p.m. — Cup Series qualifying (Prime, MRN Radio, Sirius XM NASCAR Radio)
- 4:30 p.m. — The Chilango 150 (CW App)
- 7 p.m. — Pedro Rodriguez 100
Sunday, June 15
- 3 p.m. — Viva México 250 (Prime)
NASCAR Drivers Ready for Mexico City Challenge
Daniel Suárez will be the man to watch since he’s racing at home in Mexico with Trackhouse Racing. His teammate, Shane van Gisbergen, is probably the favorite, though — he’s incredible on road courses like this one.
Other big names include Denny Hamlin (if he is not on baby watch), plus Hendrick Motorsports stars Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, and William Byron. Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace from 23XI Racing should be competitive, too. Katherine Legge rounds out the field as the only open-entry driver.
In this city, color isn’t painted. It’s lived.
Now, that color meets NASCAR. #NASCARMexico pic.twitter.com/EDWXRCkCYe
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 13, 2025
The weather might shake things up with a 50-60% chance of rain and temperatures in the 70s. Add in that high altitude, and teams will have their hands full figuring out the right setup.
This isn’t just another race weekend — it’s NASCAR, showing they’re serious about going global. After decades of staying mostly in the U.S., they’re finally ready to take the show international.