The NASCAR Cup Series made its debut at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, where Ryan Blaney delivered an impressive performance by securing a second place finish in Mexico City after a dramatic and rain-influenced race. A combination of wet weather, multiple cautions, and an early crash disrupted the start, impacting the running order and leaving competitors facing unpredictable conditions.
Weather Delays and Early Incidents Shape the Race
The opening laps of the Viva Mexico 250 were defined by turbulence under overcast skies, as officials called two cautions within just seven laps. A major wreck involving Kyle Busch and five other drivers contributed to the chaos, leading to a strategic shakeup among the teams. The tricky wet track required a cautious approach from the drivers and kept the field tightly packed during the initial phase.
As the weather began to clear by the thirteenth lap, teams adapted by shifting their tire strategy. Many front-runners, including pole-sitter Shane van Gisbergen, opted to pit under green flag conditions for slick tires as the track dried, momentarily giving up their places at the front. This strategic move set the stage for a shift in the running order that would influence the rest of Stage 1.
Rising to the Top Amid Changing Conditions
In the midst of the evolving track and tire choices, Ryan Preece of RFK Racing took advantage by staying out longer, capturing the stage victory and crucial points. Blaney, representing Team Penske, maintained steady focus and skill to track closely behind, finishing second for the stage. Ross Chastain of Trackhouse Racing secured third, while Michael McDowell with Spire Motorsports and Todd Gilliland of Front Row Motorsports completed the top five positions.
Stage One: Full Results Overview
The finalized top ten for Stage 1 at the NASCAR Mexico City race was as follows:
1. Ryan Preece (RFK Racing Ford)
2. Ryan Blaney (Team Penske Ford)
3. Ross Chastain (Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet)
4. Michael McDowell (Spire Motorsports Chevrolet)
5. Todd Gilliland (Front Row Motorsports Ford)
6. Erik Jones (Legacy Motor Club Toyota)
7. Carson Hocevar (Spire Motorsports Chevrolet)
8. Bubba Wallace (23XI Racing Toyota)
9. Chase Elliott (Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet)
10. Daniel Suarez (Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet)
This sequence featured strong representation across teams and manufacturers, with Blaney’s showing for Team Penske underscoring his capability to adapt to rapidly shifting race circumstances.
Key Details of the Inaugural Mexico City Event
This debut NASCAR Cup Series race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez consists of 100 laps around a 2.41-mile circuit, totaling a distance of 241 miles (389.46 kilometers). Scheduled for Sunday, June 15th, 2025, the green flag drops at 3:00 PM Eastern Time. Broadcast coverage is provided by Amazon Prime, and fans can also tune in via MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
The circuit, nestled in Mexico City, offers a challenging environment for drivers like Ryan Blaney, Michael McDowell, and Ross Chastain, especially with unpredictable weather and the added pressure of new territory for many teams.
A Race Marked by Uncertainty and Opportunity
While Shane van Gisbergen led comfortably after earning pole position, the mid-race tire strategy and weather uncertainties shuffled the order, allowing drivers such as Ryan Preece and Ryan Blaney to capitalize. Kyle Busch’s involvement in an early multi-car crash and continual cautions demonstrated the difficulty drivers faced in the opening segment, forcing officials to stay vigilant and responsive to changing conditions.
The debut event’s complex opening has set the tone for what is expected to be a highly competitive and unpredictable conclusion. With 80 laps still to contest after the first stage, the final outcome remains open, and contenders like Blaney, Chastain, and McDowell continue to pursue victory in challenging circumstances.
Looking Ahead: Impact on the Drivers and the Cup Series
Ryan Blaney’s second place finish in Mexico City highlights his strong adaptability and keeps him in the hunt for further success as the race progresses. The event also marks a significant milestone for NASCAR’s expansion and signals new opportunities for drivers and fans alike at the international level. As the inaugural Mexico City race continues, the unpredictable elements and strategy decisions will remain at the fore, shaping not just the outcome of this event but potentially influencing the broader 2025 Cup Series season.
