NASCAR Cup Race Faces Travel Disruptions, Schedule Changes Mexico City

The 2025 NASCAR season introduced a new broadcast arrangement featuring Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports alongside Fox and NBC, with the Cup Series' first-ever race in Mexico City, the Viva México 250, marking the first points-earning Cup Series race outside the U.S. in decades. The race weekend faced significant logistical challenges as two chartered flights transporting teams from North Carolina experienced mechanical issues, causing delays and forcing some team members to travel via commercial flights or drive to Atlanta. These disruptions led NASCAR to revise the event schedule, delaying Cup Series practice and adjusting Xfinity Series sessions to accommodate the delayed arrivals. To maintain fairness on the unfamiliar road course in Mexico City, NASCAR implemented tire barriers and cameras to enforce track limits, aiming to prevent drivers from gaining unfair advantages by cutting corners. Despite the rocky start, the race weekend proceeded with a strong fan turnout expected and preparations underway for the main event, which is set to highlight the challenges of high altitude and a technical 15-turn course. NASCAR officials and teams adapted quickly to the travel setbacks, emphasizing safety and competitive integrity throughout the inaugural international Cup Series race.