Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR podium celebrations in Mexico City sparked discussion about whether the series should continue with podium ceremonies after the drivers’ lively display at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. As NASCAR introduced this new celebration style, van Gisbergen, Christopher Bell, and Chase Elliott each offered their thoughts, revealing both enthusiasm and hesitation about shifting from the familiar Victory Lane tradition.
NASCAR’s Mexican Podium: A New Tradition or Just a One-Time Show?
During NASCAR’s international event in Mexico City, the race concluded with van Gisbergen atop the podium, sporting a sombrero and sharing champagne with Bell and Elliott, highlighting a departure from usual post-race customs. This spectacle raised the question of whether shared podiums, popular worldwide, should become a NASCAR staple or remain an exception for special occasions. According to van Gisbergen, while he appreciates the American “win or nothing” attitude, he’s also accustomed to global motorsports, where collective podiums are the norm.
After the Pocono event, van Gisbergen was asked about his preference between the solo spotlight of Victory Lane and the shared platform of a podium. He reflected on his racing roots but also showed appreciation for both styles:
Yeah, I guess that’s the way that I’ve grown up doing it, and the way the rest of the world does it. But I love the focus on ‘win or nothing’ here, as well,
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
He acknowledged the prestige of winning in American motorsports but recognized that getting second or third is a challenge worth celebrating too. The spectacle of sharing the stage was a highlight in Mexico, echoing his broader view about race finishes.
I can see both sides of it, but I do love the way the winner’s circle or Victory Lane is here. It’s a really cool privilege to be in that, I think. I’m on the fence really. I don’t know what’s better, but I like both ways. I like champagne too. That’s always fun (laughs).
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
Christopher Bell also supported the idea of bringing more focus to the top finishers, suggesting that greater emphasis on the podium could heighten the drama, especially during closely contested events. For the Mexico race, there were no controversial moments among the front-runners, but Bell believed that presenting the top three together increases the entertainment factor, particularly when emotions run high.
Chase Elliott’s Reserved Response on Podium Ceremonies
Chase Elliott approached NASCAR’s podium experiment with cautious neutrality. Though he acknowledged the celebration’s festive spirit and saw value in honoring the victor, he considered the Mexico podium to be more of a special feature than a sign of future change. Elliott indicated that he would support the return of podium spots if NASCAR revisited Mexico City, but he did not see this as a necessary shift in NASCAR culture overall.
While congratulating van Gisbergen and supporting the recognition given to the winner, Elliott emphasized that he didn’t hold a strong opinion about which style prevails.
He won the race, and he deserved the right to that. Me being the second loser, I can certainly get in there and make sure that I appreciate the job that he did.
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
Elliott admitted his feelings might differ had he won instead of placing third, but noted that podium ceremonies remain relatively unfamiliar territory for NASCAR drivers. He expressed comfort with either outcome, whether NASCAR keeps the podium or reverts to focusing solely on the singular champion in Victory Lane.
What’s Next for NASCAR Podium Celebrations?
The reception to the Mexico City podium celebration from media members, drivers, and fans signals openness to evolving traditions in NASCAR, but the debate remains active. As the sport experiments with international venues, events like this podium ceremony could represent future opportunities for increased spectacle and fan engagement. For now, figures like Shane van Gisbergen, Christopher Bell, and Chase Elliott are helping shape the conversation about how NASCAR chooses to honor its top finishers as the series continues to adapt on the global stage.
