Shane van Gisbergen aims for victory in Mexico NASCAR race as he prepares to take on the 2025 Viva Mexico 250 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City on Sunday, June 15. The Trackhouse Racing star, known for his expertise on road courses, is targeting another opportunity to shine as the NASCAR Cup Series hosts a groundbreaking international event.
Van Gisbergen Faces High Expectations in Mexico City
As the milestone points race approaches, Shane van Gisbergen is considered one of the leading contenders to excel in this significant event. Driving the No. 88 Chevrolet under Justin Marks’ organization, the three-time Supercars champion is seeking to secure his place in the playoffs during NASCAR’s prominent venture outside the United States. Van Gisbergen drew widespread attention in 2023 by clinching an impressive victory in his Cup Series debut at the inaugural Chicago Street Course race.
Attention surrounding his teammate, Daniel Suarez, has been prominent ahead of this landmark Mexico City race. Nonetheless, van Gisbergen is eagerly anticipating a return to the road courses after spending much of the season navigating oval tracks. His desire to return to familiar terrain after a period of intensive learning on ovals has been clear.
“Everyone expects us to perform on road courses,” van Gisbergen said in a recent media availability via Cup Scene. “Not that we have been hanging out for it, but the ovals have been a big learning process the last couple of months. It will be nice for sure to have a bit of a break and races on the types of courses I’m used to which means turning right.”
Challenges and Opportunities Await on the Road Course
This year’s Mexico City event marks the second road course contest in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series schedule. Earlier in the season, van Gisbergen looked set for a breakthrough win at the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas, displaying dominance for much of the race. However, despite his strong performance, the Chevrolet driver crossed the finish line in sixth place.
When questioned about his prospects against competitors more accustomed to oval tracks, van Gisbergen offered a measured response about any perceived edge heading into Mexico City.
“Well, you’d hope so. I know I’ll be good at them, but having an advantage, no. Other people have been there before and the unknowns, the air and how different the cars will feel with no downforce and stuff, are big. I don’t think it’s an advantage, but I certainly know I’ll be okay there.”
A Champion’s Journey: From Supercars to Cup Series
Despite ongoing adaptation to NASCAR stock cars, Shane van Gisbergen is no stranger to road course success. Before his full-time jump to the Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing, van Gisbergen collected three Xfinity Series victories in road course events, racing for Kaulig Racing. His ability to win on challenging, technical circuits has solidified his status as a formidable racer and champion.
With a career highlighted by ace performances and a history of learning and evolving, van Gisbergen stands out among racers as one of the most likely to break through at the famed Mexico City track. The 36-year-old’s track record in both the Supercars and NASCAR road course formats positions him as a top bet for this landmark race.
Race Day and What Lies Ahead
Fans eager to watch NASCAR’s venture into Mexico can tune in live on Amazon Prime on Sunday, June 15 at 3 p.m. ET. As the field readies for the historic event at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, spectators and analysts alike will be watching to see if Shane van Gisbergen can convert his road course pedigree into another memorable Cup Series victory and secure an important step toward his playoff ambitions.
