In an unprecedented show of support, Bubba Wallace popularity among Mexican NASCAR fans was on full display as jubilant crowds swarmed the 23XI Racing driver during the Viva México 250 in Mexico City. The 2025 NASCAR event at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez marked a turning point, drawing thousands of passionate supporters and signaling a bold expansion for the sport.
NASCAR Makes a Thrilling International Debut in Mexico City
For the first time since 1958, NASCAR brought a points race outside the United States, landing in the energetic heart of Mexico City. The choice of Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez as the venue gave the prestigious Cup Series global stature, as fans from across the country packed grandstands, waved flags, and filled the air with cheers that rivaled the iconic Daytona crowd. Despite facing hurdles like logistic delays for team haulers, the event’s success demonstrated NASCAR’s ability to captivate new audiences far beyond its U.S. roots.
Local hero Daniel Suárez energized the weekend with a dramatic victory in the Xfinity Series Chilango 150, winning from the back of the grid after a crash in qualifying. His relentless drive and triumph in front of a home crowd added an indelible chapter to NASCAR’s story in Mexico, but it was the extraordinary enthusiasm for Bubba Wallace that truly took everyone by surprise.
Bubba Wallace Draws Massive Crowds and Fan Frenzy
Bob Pockrass documented the scene as Bubba Wallace, piloting the number 23 car for 23XI Racing and representing brands like McDonald’s and Toyota, was escorted by security through crowds clamoring for autographs and selfies. Hats, gloves, and memorabilia were thrust toward him at every turn. While Michael McDowell of Spire Motorsports also received significant attention, Wallace’s reception in Mexico was particularly notable, surprising many U.S. NASCAR followers with the breadth and intensity of support for a driver considered an American racing icon.
Numerous social media posts captured these electric moments, including a viral Reddit thread titled
“Bubba Wallace is very popular in Mexico,”
showcasing a video of fans mobbing the 23XI Racing star during his walkabout. The lively exchange prompted one fan to marvel,
“I’m starting to think nascar may be more popular in Mexico than in America.”
—Reddit user
Though official data has yet to confirm whether Mexico’s NASCAR fandom rivals that of the United States, the scenes at Mexico City’s recent Xfinity and Cup races left no doubt about the depth of passion and the growing appeal of the sport south of the border. Fans’ enthusiastic treatment of Bubba Wallace as a “rock star” has become the talk of the racing world—and perhaps a glimpse into NASCAR’s future trajectory.
Fans Celebrate Bubba Wallace’s Relatable Personality
Much of Bubba Wallace’s magnetic draw appears rooted in his genuine personality and authentic connection to fans, qualities which have only deepened his appeal in Mexico. One fan shared,
“He’s easily one of the most relatable drivers to me. Whenever he talks he just sounds like a down to earth, regular dude. He actually has some dimension, unlike a lot of monotone drivers. He should be popular. His Larson incident was obviously pretty bad but it was Larson, he mighta had that one coming if we’re honest. Outside of that what bad can you say about the guy?”
—Fan on Reddit
Wallace’s openness about personal struggles, such as discussing depression, makes him stand out in a sports world that often favors stoicism. His warm, approachable style, frequently showcased through TikTok videos, gaming streams from his man cave, and candid press conferences, fosters a sense of familiarity and camaraderie. Fans frequently cite these attributes as reasons why he feels more like a “buddy” than a celebrity driver.
Social Media and On-Track Performance Spark Connection
Wallace’s momentum in Mexico accelerated with a well-received social media collaboration involving Daniel Suárez. The playful video depicted Wallace humorously transforming into a “Mexican” version of himself after spending three days in Mexico City, nodding to Suárez’s own popularity on home soil. This lighthearted content resonated with fans and highlighted how the modern NASCAR audience connects with drivers beyond the race track.
One fan commented on this phenomenon:
“Well, he did turn into a Mexican rather quickly over the course of 3 days in MC and won the xfinity race yesterday. Kinda comes with the territory,”
referencing his transformation and the viral video with Suárez. —Fan comment
Bubba Wallace’s performance this season has only strengthened the fan connection. His recent results—three top-five finishes and six top-ten placements in just fifteen races—have put him in the top ten of the points standings. His progress on road courses and tracks like Michigan and Nashville has solidified his reputation as a contender. The sport’s new partnership with Prime Video, offering premium coverage over previous broadcasters such as Fox, is introducing Wallace and NASCAR to a broader, younger demographic.
A supporter captured this growing admiration:
“Bubba’s personality, Prime, and continued good races. This is a very successful season so far.”
—Fan comment
Lucha Mask Press Conference Delights Fans
Wallace also garnered attention for his press conference antics, donning a colorful lucha mask—a tribute to Mexico’s wrestling culture. While he briefly dropped the mask, causing mild embarrassment, his good-natured response only endeared him further to the crowd. Such moments have helped cement his reputation as an approachable celebrity, someone who does not take himself too seriously and is willing to engage with traditions of new audiences wherever NASCAR travels.
International Expansion: NASCAR’s Big Bet Pays Off
The energetic fan response to Bubba Wallace, Michael McDowell, and Daniel Suárez during the Viva México 250 is a clear sign that NASCAR’s strategy to expand internationally is paying dividends. The atmosphere around the historic event was described by many as transformative, with local and international fans uniting in their admiration of the sport and its stars.
“Not gonna lie, seeing drivers being welcomed so openly by fans all weekend is dope. Definitely help building the bridge to create new fans and a connection with long term fans that never had this kind of opportunity.”
—Fan on social media
This diverse embrace marks a shift in the typically U.S.-centric world of stock car racing. Mexican fans provided a level of excitement and appreciation for drivers that matched—and in some moments surpassed—what is seen in NASCAR’s traditional markets. With racing heroes like Daniel Suárez inspiring the next generation of regional talent and American stars like Bubba Wallace turning into household names, NASCAR’s future appears to be racing toward a global stage.
What’s Next for Bubba Wallace and NASCAR in Mexico?
As the dust settles on a landmark weekend in Mexico City, the question arises whether NASCAR can continue to thrive in its new international environment. Bubba Wallace’s experience—being mobbed by exuberant fans, celebrated for his authenticity, and embraced by a fast-growing audience—serves as a powerful case study for NASCAR’s potential outside the United States.
The Viva México 250 may turn out to be more than just a race—it could be the moment the world realized the appeal of Bubba Wallace popularity among Mexican NASCAR fans. With both established stars and new faces being welcomed by passionate crowds, and television partners elevating the sport’s exposure, the possibilities for NASCAR’s global growth are suddenly wide open.
As new fans join the fold and the bridge between nations strengthens, drivers like Bubba Wallace stand at the center of a cultural shift that could define the next era of stock car racing. The next installments of the NASCAR Cup Series in Mexico and beyond will reveal if this momentum continues, but for now, it is clear that Bubba Wallace has earned his status as a true international sensation.
