The 2025 Viva Mexico 250 brings the NASCAR Cup Series to one of racing’s most historic tracks, the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. For the first time in decades, a full field of top drivers will compete on Mexican soil. The course is unlike most on the schedule—long straights, sharp turns, and new challenges await. A few names stand out heading into race weekend.
Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez: A Legendary Venue’s Rich History
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez stands as one of Mexico’s most iconic motorsport venues, a circuit steeped in history and tradition. The idea for the track originated from Pedro Natalio Rodríguez, father of legendary Mexican racing brothers Ricardo and Pedro Rodríguez, who advised then-President Adolfo Lopez Mateos. Inspired by the desire to showcase Mexican talent on an international stage, the circuit was designed in 1959, largely based on a thesis project by civil engineering student Óscar Fernández.
Fernández studied famous circuits like Indianapolis and Avus to create a world-class design, and with the support of the Rodríguez family and city engineer Gilberto Valenzuela, the track was built in less than a year within the Magdalena Mixiuhca sports park in Mexico City.
The inaugural race, the Mexico City 500 Miles, took place in December 1959 and was fittingly won by Pedro Rodríguez, with his brother Ricardo finishing third. The original layout featured a main straight over a kilometer long—one of the longest in the world at the time—and a high-speed banked corner, making it a favorite for both drivers and fans.
Over the decades, the circuit has hosted a wide range of international events, including Formula 1 (with its first official Grand Prix in 1963), CART/Champ Car, and NASCAR Xfinity Series races. The track has undergone several layout changes, most notably in 2015, when the famous Peraltada corner was replaced with a series of bends through the Foro Sol stadium, creating one of F1’s most unique spectacles.
The Viva Mexico 250: NASCAR’s Historic Return to Mexico City
The Viva Mexico 250 marks a significant milestone for NASCAR as the Cup Series returns to an international road course for the first time since 1958. This event is not just a race; it is a celebration of NASCAR’s expanding global footprint and a tribute to Mexico’s deep-rooted passion for motorsport. The race takes place on a specially configured 2.42-mile, 15-turn road course at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, distinct from the traditional Grand Prix layout used by Formula 1 and other series.
While NASCAR has previously visited Mexico City with the Xfinity Series from 2005 to 2008, those races utilized a shorter, 8-turn, 2.518-mile configuration. The Viva Mexico 250, however, introduces a new challenge for Cup Series drivers, many of whom are tackling this circuit for the first time. The event promises to test the versatility and adaptability of the field, as drivers must master a natural road course that combines technical sections with high-speed straights, similar in character to Sonoma or Circuit of the Americas.
The Viva Mexico 250 is more than just a race—it is a cultural moment for NASCAR, bringing together fans from across North America and beyond. The event highlights the growing diversity within the sport and the increasing importance of international venues in NASCAR’s future. For drivers, it is an opportunity to make history, as the winner will etch their name into the record books as the first Cup Series champion on Mexican soil in over six decades.
Who Will Win the Viva Mexico 250? Top 5 Contenders
With the field set for the Viva Mexico 250, all eyes are on the current crop of NASCAR Cup Series drivers as they prepare to tackle the unique challenges of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. The race is wide open, with several drivers entering as strong favorites based on recent road course form and experience.
Key Drivers to Watch
- Shane Van Gisbergen: The New Zealander is the early betting favorite (+330), thanks to his exceptional road racing pedigree. Van Gisbergen has proven himself in multiple disciplines and is expected to adapt quickly to the demands of this circuit.
- Christopher Bell: With a recent road course win at COTA and a reputation for strong performances on technical tracks, Bell (+700) is a serious contender. His ability to qualify well and maintain pace in traffic gives him an edge.
- Kyle Larson: Known for his versatility and aggressive driving style, Larson (+800) is always a threat on road courses. His experience and team support make him a top pick for the win.
- William Byron: Another Hendrick Motorsports driver, Byron (+800) has shown consistent speed on road courses and is part of a team that has dominated recent road course events.
- Tyler Reddick: Reddick (+800) is widely regarded as one of the best road course racers in the series. His ability to manage tires and make bold moves under pressure makes him a favorite for victory.
Pole Position
The importance of qualifying cannot be overstated on a technical road course like this. Recent trends show that in 15 of the last 18 road course races with the Next Gen car, the winner has started in the top 8. Chevrolet has secured the pole in four of the last six road course events, and Hendrick Motorsports has been especially dominant. The driver who secures pole position will have a significant advantage, as track position and clean air are crucial for success.
News in Brief: Predictions for the 2025 Viva Mexico 250
The Viva Mexico 250 is set to be a historic and unpredictable event. While Shane Van Gisbergen leads the odds, drivers like Christopher Bell, Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Tyler Reddick are all strong contenders. The pole winner will have a clear advantage, but as always in NASCAR, anything can happen on race day. Fans can expect a thrilling battle as the best drivers in the world compete for glory at the legendary Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
ALSO READ: Legacy of the Rodríguez Brothers Shines as NASCAR Heads to Mexico City
