Shane Van Gisbergen Wins Inaugural NASCAR Mexico City Cup Race

Shane van Gisbergen, a New Zealand driver, won the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series points race held outside the U.S. since 1958 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, dominating the Viva Mexico 250 with a 16.57-second lead over Christopher Bell. Despite battling illness and logistical challenges, van Gisbergen secured pole position and led 60 of the 100 laps, clinching his second career Cup Series victory and a spot in the 2025 playoffs. He credited Formula One champion Max Verstappen, a friend who races on the same circuit, for providing crucial advice on racing lines and strategy in wet conditions. The race featured six cautions, including an eight-car crash early on, and 14 lead changes among eight drivers, with notable performances from Chase Elliott, Alex Bowman, and Michael McDowell rounding out the top five. The event marked a significant moment in NASCAR history, drawing enthusiastic local support especially for Mexican driver Daniel Suárez, who finished 19th after winning the Xfinity Series race the day before. The Cup Series will continue next week at Pocono Raceway, transitioning back to an oval track.