For the first time in decades, NASCAR crossed international lines last weekend. Enter the road course in the heart of Mexico City. While the Cup cars made their debut, the now Xfinity Series returned to Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez for the first time since 2008.
Despite the drama, logistical trouble, and some health concerns some teams had what could be called a banner weekend.
Xfinity Series | Chilango 150
#9 Daniel Suarez: Perhaps the biggest story of the weekend was Mexico City-native and Cup regular Suarez. Tasked with driving JR Motorsports’ #9 Chevrolet, Suarez flexed some serious muscle on this Saturday. Driving a backup black Chevrolet (the original car was damaged before the race), Suarez went from worst to first and led the final 19 laps en route to the win. This was also Suarez’s first Xfinity win since 2016.
Photo Credit: Jayski and James Gilbert/Getty Images
#16 Christian Eckes: Now an Xfinity Series rookie, Truck Series graduate Eckes has had a rough 2025 since joining Kaulig Racing. Taking over the flagship #16 entry, Eckes and crew had a solid day in Mexico City and earned a much needed change of luck. Starting 34th, Eckes worked his way (with some damage) through the field, and brought his Celsius-backed entry home 4th. Eckes currently sits 18th in points with now two top five finishes.
#32 Austin Green: Mexico was shockingly kind to series newcomers in the Xfinity Series. Joining that group is Jordan Anderson Racing part-time driver Austin Green. With a road racing background at a young age, Green overperformed in JAR’s #32 Chevrolet. Rolling off 14th, Green had a mostly drama free day and finished 7th. Green has run three races with Jordan Anderson in 2025, with Mexico far and away the best result.
*Green has four top ten finishes in twelve Xfinity starts since 2024, and also has an ARCA win with Pinnacle Racing Group at Charlotte earlier this season.
Photo Credit: Jayski and Sean Gardner/Getty Images
Cup Series | Viva Mexico 250
#88 Shane Van Gisbergen: A Cup Series rookie this season, and the odds on favorite for the Cup Series’ international venture this season, SVG showed up for his Trackhouse crew in a big way last Sunday. While it’s hard to consider the New Zealand native a rookie, the 88 crew has had an roller coaster season while learning the ropes. Noted for his road course prowess, SVG led the final 32 laps on his way to his second Cup Series career win.
#71 Michael McDowell: While not a rookie, Cup veteran McDowell is also a noted road course racer, and put everyone on notice the #71 Spire Motorsports crew can compete. While he only led 2 laps, McDowell started and finished his red and yellow Chevrolet in 5th. This was McDowell’s first top five in a season of growing pains with his new team.
Photo Credit: Jayski and Luis Cano/Jam Media/Getty Image
#41 Cole Custer: Custer, who returned to Cup competition had a benchmark day in his Haas Factory Team Ford. While Custer has struggled to see results in 2025, the HFT driver had an impressive run in Mexico. Starting 26th, Custer ran a smooth race and finished 8th, his first top ten of 2025. This should not come as a surprise, as Custer has shown that necessary road course talent in past races.
Custer’s previous best result this season was a 13th in Talladega.