Bubba Wallace discusses NASCAR international racing in Mexico City as the NASCAR Cup Series holds its first points-paying event outside of the United States since 1958, making motorsport history on Sunday. Competing at the race track in Mexico City, Wallace joined 36 other drivers in this groundbreaking effort, prompting discussion about NASCAR’s next steps on the global stage.
Following the culmination of Sunday’s event and the crowning of a winner, attention quickly turned to the future of NASCAR’s international racing ventures. Curiosity grew about which global city might serve as the next destination for the esteemed racing series.
Drivers and Teams Tackle Challenges in Mexico City
Meeting with reporters on Friday, Bubba Wallace embraced Mexican culture, arriving for the interview with a Lucha Libre mask and humorously referring to it as part of his altitude training. He shared his early impressions of competing on international ground and addressed questions about whether NASCAR could continue its expansion outside U.S. borders, highlighting the unique backdrop of Mexico City for the Cup Series race.
Wallace candidly assessed the logistical hurdles faced by teams and drivers ahead of the historic event:
“I think this is a massive step to be in this demographic, in this market,”
—Bubba Wallace, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
He noted that the recent travel chaos experienced by some teams underscored the operational challenges of organizing races far from home. Wallace emphasized the importance of unified planning moving forward, suggesting that the successful execution of the Mexico City event could pave the way for further international races, provided organizational issues—such as traffic and travel—are resolved.
Reflecting on his brief experience at the venue, Wallace remarked on the local crowd’s enthusiasm and credited NASCAR leadership with putting together an effective event. He expressed his enjoyment both at the track and during his time away from it, suggesting a similar environment could be recreated overseas, with logistics remaining the primary obstacle for future endeavors.
The Role of Teamwork and Endurance in High-Stakes Racing
Wallace highlighted the demanding nature of international competition, particularly for NASCAR’s truck drivers and team members responsible for navigating thousands of miles with tight turnarounds between events.
“I know the teams go through a lot of stress. Our truck drivers are the real heroes for this week traveling 2,500 miles, or somewhere around that number if I’m correct, just to not go home and have an off weekend, we go right back to Pocono – it is still game on for the next several weeks. Logistics need to be worked out for sure, but I think we can do it.”
—Bubba Wallace, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
With no downtime following their trip to Mexico, teams were already preparing for the next race at Pocono Raceway, a testament to the rigor and resilience required on the international circuit.
Looking Ahead: NASCAR’s Potential on the Global Stage
Sunday’s race, broadcast from Mexico City at 3 p.m. ET, marked a significant milestone for NASCAR Cup Series drivers, the organization, and motorsport fans around the world. Bubba Wallace’s insights shed light on both the excitement and the challenges inherent in global expansion, underscoring that while travel and event logistics remain complicated, they are not insurmountable for the sport.
The event’s successful execution may influence NASCAR’s choice of the next international venue, sparking speculation about where the world’s top stock-car series will head next as it aims to connect with a broader audience while preserving the high standards and teamwork that define NASCAR racing.
