Chase Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion, is set to make history again as he vies for victory this Sunday at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, marking NASCAR’s first international Cup Series race in decades. The anticipation is high for Chase Elliott racing at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, with Elliott describing the unique stadium section of the racetrack as unlike anything he has experienced before and hinting at the possibility of an unpredictable showdown.
Elliott’s Perspective on the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez Track
Reflecting on his 2021 win at Circuit of the Americas—a road course with a storied Formula One past—Elliott now faces the challenge of racing on a track designed to thrill both drivers and fans. The event, held in Mexico City, brings NASCAR back to the international stage for the first time since 1958, widening the sport’s reach and promising a spectacle for motorsport enthusiasts.
When meeting with reporters ahead of race day, Elliott shared his thoughts on the venue’s one-of-a-kind stadium section.
“The environment, I think, is really neat,”
—Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports driver
He went on to explain that he has never encountered a racetrack with a layout where competitors emerge between two grandstands, enhancing the atmosphere for both drivers and viewers. He pointed out that the setup allows spectators a prime view of drivers as they approach the decisive final turn, making for an exciting and suspenseful conclusion to the race.
Challenges and Strategy in the Stadium Section
Discussing the challenges the unique circuit presents, Elliott suggested that the slow speeds required in this stadium segment could lead to some wild moments on the track.
“With as slow as we’re going to be going through there with our cars, I think that it has potential to be pretty rough through that section, right? It’s kind of dependent upon who you’re racing around; what kind of respect is expected or shown from whoever is in position to have an opportunity to run you over. It’ll just depend on who you’re around.”
—Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports driver
This insight highlights the unpredictable nature of the upcoming event, with drivers needing to navigate not only a challenging technical section but also the dynamics of racing close to competitors who may or may not yield in tight situations.
What’s Next for Elliott and NASCAR in Mexico City
Sunday’s competition, set to air on Prime at 3 p.m. ET, will see Elliott and fellow NASCAR stars take on the circuit in front of an enthusiastic international audience. Elliott’s remarks have set the stage for what may become a pivotal moment in recent NASCAR history, especially at a venue as iconic and spectator-friendly as Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City. As the drivers line up, all eyes will be on Elliott to see if he can replicate his prior success and navigate both the intensity of the competition and the unique challenges offered by this storied racetrack.
