NASCAR driver Zane Smith criticizes overreaction to NASCAR Mexico City race, expressing his frustration at widespread alarm ahead of the Viva Mexico 250 at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. As excitement surrounds this historic event, Smith draws parallels to past doubts before the successful Chicago debut, urging the community to avoid unfair assumptions.
Zane Smith Urges Calm Ahead of Mexico City Cup Race
Zane Smith, currently in his second year in the NASCAR Cup Series, has spoken out about what he sees as excessive responses within the industry and fan base before the Mexico City event. With rumors swirling regarding safety concerns and issues like Montezuma’s Revenge, Smith, the Huntington Beach native and 2022 Craftsman Truck Series champion, emphasizes his own positive experience racing and spending time in Mexico. His commitment to the Cup Series continues with Front Motorsports, where he drives the No. 38 ford/”>Ford Mustang full-time.
Smith openly challenged the pessimism within the industry, saying,
“There is a lot of overreaction from the majority of the industry. And it’s frustrating to hear and deal with. I’ve spent a good amount of time down in Mexico. There’s a lot of people that are overreacting.”
—Zane Smith, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
He also recalled how similar fear surrounded NASCAR’s Chicago weekend, noting the industry’s initial skepticism turned into enthusiasm:
“It reminds me somewhat of Chicago, too. Like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is gonna be a trainwreck.’ And then we go to Chicago and they’re like ‘Oh my gosh, this is the most fun weekend ever!’”
—Zane Smith, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Comparing Industry Reactions: Chicago’s Precedent
Smith’s comparison to Chicago’s first-ever street race highlights how initial industry hesitation can sometimes mask opportunities for breakout success. He points out that just as critics were proven wrong in Chicago, the Mexico City Cup race could offer a surprising and positive experience for drivers and fans alike. The 2024 Mexico City event marks the first time since 1958 that the NASCAR Cup Series hosts a points race outside of the United States, amplifying both excitement and scrutiny.
Smith’s Current Season and Teammates
This weekend, Smith will take the track for the 100-lap Viva Mexico 250 alongside his Front Motorsports teammates, Noah Gragson and Todd Gilliland. Entering the race, Smith holds 22nd in the Cup Series points standings. Gragson is 31st with 224 points, while Gilliland sits 27th with 265 points. NASCAR fans can follow the Viva Mexico 250 live via Prime Video from 3 p.m. ET or tune into live updates on MRN or SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Reflecting on a Difficult Rookie Year in Cup Racing
In his rookie Cup Series season, Smith confronted considerable difficulties, struggling to secure finishes higher than 13th over his first 18 races. During a recent interview, he discussed the steep learning curve faced by first-year drivers:
“You just see these brutal rookie seasons for guys in Cup,”
Smith said during a virtual interview on Wednesday, June 11.
“I don’t remember anyone that just dominated races. You pretty much just try to survive that first year, learn as much as you can and take all the smack talk. It just feels like a bad luck year, your rookie year. I don’t really know why.”
—Zane Smith, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Smith acknowledged that with experience comes a better ability to cope with adversity, noting:
“You’re still going to experience highs and lows in your second year, but I feel like you know how to react to them a little bit better,”
he explained. —Zane Smith, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
This season, Smith has posted two top-10 finishes across fifteen starts, leading ten laps in total. He is still searching for his first series win, which would secure his spot in the playoffs and boost his standing in the competitive Cup Series field.
What the Mexico City Event Means for NASCAR
The upcoming Mexico City race signals a pivotal moment for NASCAR, as the organization expands its reach beyond the United States for the first time in decades. Smith’s call for perspective encourages the industry and fans to anticipate the event without undue negativity. With drivers like Todd Gilliland, Noah Gragson, and Smith taking part, and the spotlight on Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, the outcome could shape perceptions of international NASCAR races for years to come.
