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Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Will NASCAR return to Mexico City in 2026?
NASCAR's recent visit to Mexico changed the perception some drivers had of the country and delivered two races full of excitement — something that has been lacking at times in Formula 1 events at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Despite a thrilling weekend a great enthusiasm from the fans, the future of the event remains uncertain for 2026. Ben Kennedy, great-grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France and senior NASCAR executive, made it clear that the decision will have to wait, but he has set a deadline for it. This comes after completing the first year of the contract with OCESA, the company organizing the event in Mexico, with whom there is reportedly a three-year agreement—though that will need to be confirmed in the coming months. Advertisement 'We had a full contract with an extension option, and I will make a decision in one or two months,' said the executive in Mexico. There's also the question of Montreal, another potential location for an international race that NASCAR has been looking at for years. It would also be easier to organize, logistically speaking. Difficult to move Mexico's date General view General view One of the main challenges is the schedule. The Mexico event took place after Michigan and just before Pocono, which meant a long haul over land. Rescheduling the race to be closer to the border is not easy, but it's something NASCAR is working on. Advertisement In addition, available dates at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez are limited. Besides the two already confirmed international events—Formula E in January and Formula 1 in October—there's speculation that IndyCar is ready to take a slot in early 2026. On top of that, concerts are frequently held in various parts of the circuit, reducing scheduling options even further. 'We're working on planning the 2026 calendar," said Kennedy. "As I said, we really want to reconnect with our partners and talk about what the future could look like. We've learned a lot, a lot of great things happened this weekend. We held a worship service and met with fans to hear their reactions. We're very hopeful that we're shaping the future." He also highlighted key aspects of this visit, including the passion of the fans: 'I spent a lot of time in the stadium section because it was electrifying the entire weekend. As I said, you could see the cars go through the stadium, and every time someone made a pass or had contact, you could hear the fans over the sound of the engines.' Advertisement 'I loved the post-race show that OCESA put on. The podium was a bit different from what we're used to, but I think it's a unique aspect—something that sets us apart from other events as well.' NASCAR's uniqueness Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing Toyota Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing Toyota When asked by whether he believed there would still be room for NASCAR in 2026—given the large number of motorsport events Mexico will host and the added pressure of IndyCar tightening that calendar—he expressed confidence in NASCAR's product, pointing out that it offers features its competitors do not and that it can still compete for the Mexican audience, even if all series end up running with shorter calendars. Advertisement 'I'd say the beauty of our sport lies in the fact that we're unique in many ways, and we try not to compare ourselves to other racing series,' Kennedy said, before highlighting that the show put on by the stock cars in Mexico was unlike anything recently seen at the modern track, which was remodeled in 2015 for Formula 1's return. 'But if anyone watched today's or yesterday's event—whether a new fan or a long-time follower of the sport—they would understand that our racing style is very different. It's bold, aggressive, with three or even four-wide racing heading into Turn 1, and lots of bumping and banging. That's our DNA.' Read Also: Despite Mexico win, SVG says "I need to keep getting better to justify" Cup ride Winners and losers from a historic NASCAR weekend in Mexico Why Shane van Gisbergen sought Max Verstappen's advice just before dominant NASCAR win To read more articles visit our website.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Christopher Bell hits inside wall, crashes big at NASCAR Talladega race
Christopher Bell took a hard hit in the opening stage of the NASCAR Cup Series Talladega race. Bell was racing side-by-side with Chris Buescher when Bell's No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota spun coming off turn 2 and collected Chris Buescher on lap 52 of the April 27 Jack Link's 500 at Talldega Superspeedway. Advertisement Bell's car slammed into the inside wall virtually head-on and destroyed the front end. Bell was able to climb out of the car after immediately putting down the window net and saying to his team on the radio that he was OK. NASCAR'S LEGENDARY IMPOSTOR: The long Talladega con: How L.W. Wright talked his way onto NASCAR's fastest track Christopher Bell stats Christopher Bell won three races in a row from Atlanta, Circuit of the Americas and Phoenix. He has six top 10s and five top 5s this season. Bell has 12 career wins in the Cup Series. Christopher Bell hometown Christopher Bell is from Norman, Oklahoma. Christopher Bell age Christopher Bell is 30 years old. His birthday is Dec. 15, 1994. NASCAR race today, TV channel The NASCAR Talladega race is currently airing on FOX with Mike Joy, Clint Bowyer and Kevin Harvick in the broadcast booth. Advertisement Follow sports writer Austin Chastain on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @ChastainAJ or reach him via email at achastain@ This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR Talladega race: Christopher Bell hits inside wall for big crash
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Brandon Jones breaks three-year win drought in NASCAR Xfinity race at Darlington
Motorsport photo Brandon Jones snapped a three-year winless streak after taking victory in a dramatic NASCAR Xfinity race at Darlington. His last victory came 98 races ago at Martinsville early in the 2022 season. "It's all for my confidence but it's also nice to prove some haters and some people who said I wasn't capable of doing it wrong again," said Jones, who now has six wins as a NASCAR Xfinity Series driver. "This race team has had it coming for a long time. Sam McCauly is one hell of a crew chief. Had so many seconds last year, so I'm glad I got that off my back. This place is freaking awesome. I love coming to Darlington, man. Second win (here). This is huge momentum." Dale Earnhardt Jr. congratulates Brandon Jones, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Dale Earnhardt Jr. congratulates Brandon Jones, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota James Gilbert / Getty Images James Gilbert / Getty Images The run to the finish In Saturday's race, there were only four sets of tires available to teams, forcing them to be careful about when to take fresh rubber. But when the green flag flew for the final stage, most of the frontrunners still had two sets left. Advertisement At the front, it was a battle between the JR Motorsports teammates as Ross Chastain passed Justin Allgaier. He remained in control until a caution was waved for a spin by Taylor Gray. Pit road proved to be a struggle for Chastain's team, falling from first to fifth after his stop. As the laps ticked away, the three Cup Series regulars got into it near the front. Chastain slid up in front of Chase Elliott, who proceeded to bump Chastain under caution to show his displeasure. Undeterred, Chastain aggressively gained ground on the ensuing restart, pinching Christopher Bell into the wall. Moments later, he charged around Jones and surged into the race lead. It appeared to be his race to lose but another accident in the midfield meant another round of pit stops, where Chastain against lost several positions. That left Jones leading among those who pitted. He still had to navigate a handful of cars who chose to stay out on older tires, but once he did, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver was able to drive off with the win. Advertisement Elliott finished second, Allgaier third, Chastain fourth, and Carson Kvapil fifth. Connor Zilisch, Christian Eckes, Nick Sanchez, Sammy Smith, and Sheldon Creed rounded out the top ten.
USA Today
15-02-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Where is NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin starting in the 2025 Daytona 500?
The Daytona 500 is the biggest race on the NASCAR schedule, and it also begins the season every year and attracts drivers who don't race full time in NASCAR, including Jimmie Johnson, Martin Truex Jr. and Hélio Castroneves this year. Drivers would do just about anything to win this coveted checkered flag and put themselves in NASCAR's history books forever, but so much goes into winning the race. Ending the Daytona 500 in Victory Lane requires more than a fast car: Teams need perfect race strategies executed perfectly, along with fast pit stop. And, of course, a little bit of luck. DAYTONA 500 ODDS: Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch are favorites for NASCAR's season opener While there are Daytona 500 favorites, all these factors also mean anyone can win at Daytona International Speedway, regardless of the starting lineup. But starting position counts for something too. So where is Denny Hamlin starting in the 2025 Daytona 500? The three-time Daytona 500 winner (2016, 2019, 2020) and No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota driver will be starting the Daytona 500 from the eighth position in row four. The 2025 Daytona 500 is set for Sunday, February 16 at 1:30 p.m. ET on Fox. The race was originally scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET but was moved up because of weather.
