Bubba Wallace’s reaction to lucha mask tradition in Mexico City became a central topic during the pre-race events at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, ahead of NASCAR’s first Cup Series points race outside the United States in over sixty years. The 31-year-old, representing 23XI Racing, found himself at the intersection of local custom and global motorsport as he learned the significance of public unmasking in lucha libre culture during his debut in Mexico City.
Bubba Wallace Learns About Lucha Mask Etiquette During Press Conference
In the lead-up to the inaugural Viva Mexico 250, Wallace attended a media session where he was informed that removing a lucha mask in public is viewed as disrespectful within Mexican wrestling tradition. Unaware of this, Wallace candidly admitted to not knowing about the custom, reflecting on his fresh exposure to local culture.
“If I would have known that, I would have went back to the hauler, done it proper… I’m new to the culture, dawg. Give me some slack.”
Lucha libre wrestlers who lose their masks in competition are not allowed to wear them again, a rule that helps preserve the tradition’s dignity. This explains why prominent figures like WWE’s Rey Mysterio are rarely seen in public without their masks. The importance of the mask is deeply rooted, making cultural awareness crucial for visiting athletes like Wallace.
NASCAR Returns to Mexico City After Nearly Two Decades
The 100-lap Cup Series contest at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is historic, marking NASCAR’s first points race abroad since the series last visited Mexico City seventeen years ago. For many participants, this was their first encounter with the city’s vibrant traditions. Although Bubba Wallace—who debuted in 2017—was unfamiliar with some customs, veteran drivers such as Kyle Busch previously took victory here, winning the 2008 Corona Mexico 200 in the Xfinity Series.
Wallace entered the event following a solid fourth-place finish at Michigan International Speedway. This season, he has accumulated three top-five placements and six top-10 finishes, positioning him tenth in the standings just behind reigning champion Joey Logano. Pilots like Wallace continue to grow their adaptability while racing internationally and adjusting to unique cultural expectations.
High Altitude Offers a Different Challenge for Drivers
Before the formal press conference began, Wallace expressed discomfort with the mask due to the heat, then joked about wearing it being part of his preparation for Mexico City’s challenging environment.
“This is my altitude training. It’s what we established.”
Mexico City stands at more than 7,300 feet above sea level, introducing thinner air that makes breathing harder for athletes and affects car performance. These conditions require both physical and technical adaptation from drivers and teams. For example, Wallace’s teammate, Tyler Reddick, took part in an extensive eight-week altitude training program arranged by Toyota to better manage the demanding track.
This training involved sleeping in a controlled low-oxygen environment, with Reddick noting noticeable improvements. Such measures exemplify the level of preparation teams are investing as NASCAR expands to new venues.
Anticipation for the Viva Mexico 250 and What Lies Ahead
The Viva Mexico 250 is set to take place on June 15 at 3:00 p.m., becoming part of Amazon Prime’s slate of five NASCAR broadcasts this year. As motorsport opens new chapters in diverse locations, drivers like Bubba Wallace are challenged not only by racing dynamics but also by deeper interactions with the places and traditions they encounter. Such moments build bridges between international athletes and local communities, shaping future NASCAR events beyond the U.S.
