The 2025 Chilango 150 is set to bring the NASCAR Xfinity Series back to Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez for the first time in years. Some drivers are rising fast. Others return with something to prove. The track has changed, and so have the names fighting for the win. A few stand above the rest—but not all for the same reason. Road course skill, pressure, and home soil will play a role.
History of Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, located in Mexico City, is one of the most storied circuits in North America. Its origins date back to 1953, when Óscar Fernández, a student, designed the original layout as part of his university thesis. Construction began in 1959 and was completed in less than a year, marking a rapid rise for motorsport in Mexico. The circuit’s first major event was a non-championship race in 1962, but it truly entered the international spotlight when it hosted its first official Formula One Grand Prix in 1963. Since then, the track has been synonymous with high-profile open-wheel racing, including both Formula One and Champ Car events.
Over the decades, the circuit has undergone several modifications to adapt to the needs of different racing series. The layout has been tweaked to improve safety and accommodate the unique demands of each discipline. For NASCAR, significant changes were made, such as the introduction of a chicane on the pit straight and a bypass for Curva Héctor Rebaque, helping to manage the heavier, less agile stock cars. The circuit’s elevation—over 2,200 meters above sea level—adds another layer of challenge, affecting engine performance and aerodynamics.
The track’s name honors the Rodríguez brothers, Ricardo and Pedro, both legendary Mexican drivers. Pedro Rodríguez, in particular, was not only a Formula One star but also a successful sports car racer, winning prestigious events like the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. His legacy is deeply intertwined with the circuit, which continues to attract top-tier motorsport events.
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez has hosted a variety of racing series, including Formula E, but its association with NASCAR began in 2005 with the introduction of the Xfinity Series (then Busch Series) race. The circuit’s combination of long straights, tight corners, and a unique stadium section (Foro Sol) makes it a favorite among drivers and fans alike. Its return to the NASCAR calendar in 2025, after a long hiatus, has been met with enthusiasm, highlighting its enduring appeal and importance in the world of motorsport.
History of The Chilango 150
The Chilango 150 is a NASCAR Xfinity Series race that takes place at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Its history is notable for several firsts in NASCAR’s expansion outside the United States. The inaugural event, held in 2005, was significant as it marked the first points-paying NASCAR national touring series race outside the U.S. since 1958. Before this, international races had been limited to non-points exhibition events in Japan during the late 1990s.
The original run of the race, from 2005 to 2008, saw high-profile winners such as Martin Truex Jr., Denny Hamlin, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Kyle Busch. Each of these victories was memorable, with Hamlin’s win in 2006 being his first in a NASCAR national series, and Montoya’s triumph in 2007 marking his first Busch Series win. The race was initially known simply as the Mexico City Busch Series race but was later renamed the Corona Mexico 200 for its final year in 2008.
The event was notable for its strong local flavor, with Mexican drivers such as Adrián Fernández, Jorge Goeters, Mara Reyes, Carlos Contreras, and Michel Jourdain Jr. participating, often in cars normally driven by other entrants. This helped boost ticket sales and fan engagement, as the local crowd was eager to see homegrown talent compete against NASCAR’s best.
Track modifications were necessary to accommodate the heavier stock cars, including the addition of a chicane and a bypass for one of the circuit’s more technical corners. These changes helped ensure competitive racing and improved safety for the drivers.
After 2008, the race went on hiatus, leaving a gap in NASCAR’s international schedule. However, 2025 marks its triumphant return, now as a support race for the NASCAR Cup Series event at the same venue. The renewed interest in the event highlights the growing global footprint of NASCAR and the enduring popularity of racing in Mexico.
Possible Winners and Top Contenders for The Chilango 150
With the 2025 Chilango 150 at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, the NASCAR Xfinity Series features a deep and talented field of current drivers. Several names stand out as likely contenders for victory based on recent form, road course prowess, and equipment.
Top Five Favorable Drivers
Connor Zilisch
Zilisch has quickly emerged as a road course specialist in the Xfinity Series. He has won both of his road course starts this season, despite facing adversity in each race. His ability to recover from setbacks and dominate on road courses makes him a strong favorite. According to betting models, Zilisch has a 41.7% chance to win, the highest among the field. His confidence and adaptability are key assets at a challenging track like Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
Daniel Suárez
As a Mexican driver, Suárez enjoys strong home support and is highly motivated to perform well in front of his compatriots. He has extensive experience in NASCAR’s top series and is known for his road course skills. Suárez’s odds reflect his status as a serious contender, with a 12.6% chance to win according to betting models. His local knowledge and fan support could give him an extra edge.
Ty Gibbs
Gibbs is a rising star in NASCAR, with a reputation for aggressive yet calculated driving. He has shown speed on road courses and is always a threat to win. Gibbs’ odds are competitive, and his equipment with Joe Gibbs Racing is among the best in the series. His ability to stay calm under pressure will be crucial in a race with high stakes.
Christopher Bell
Bell is a proven road course ace, having won in the NASCAR Cup Series at Circuit of the Americas earlier in the year. While his equipment with Sam Hunt Racing may not be the strongest, road courses tend to level the playing field, and Bell’s talent can overcome equipment deficits. His experience and racecraft make him a dark horse for victory.
Sam Mayer
Mayer has shown consistent improvement on road courses and is a regular top-10 finisher. While he may not be the outright favorite, his ability to capitalize on mistakes by others and stay out of trouble makes him a strong candidate for a podium finish. Mayer’s consistency and maturity could see him challenge for the win if the race becomes chaotic.
News in Brief: 2025 The Chilango 150 Predictions
The 2025 Chilango 150 marks a highly anticipated return for NASCAR to Mexico City, featuring a blend of international flair and local pride. The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, rich in history and technical complexity, will test every driver’s skill. Connor Zilisch leads the predictions as a road course ace, while Daniel Suárez looks to make a statement on home soil. Ty Gibbs, Christopher Bell, and Sam Mayer round out a competitive field filled with potential surprises.
ALSO READ: NASCAR Returns to Mexico City: Full Schedule, Events, and Key Storylines for the 2025 Race Weekend
