NASCAR will not return to Mexico City for the 2026 season, a move that has drawn pointed commentary from Denny Hamlin. On his podcast, Hamlin attributed the decision predominantly to financial factors, offering an intense critique of the process as the sport faces ongoing logistical and scheduling challenges. The issue of financial viability now shapes the conversation around the canceled event, casting a critical spotlight on both the past race and what comes next for NASCAR’s evolving schedule.
Financial Concerns Lead to NASCAR’s Mexico City Exit
The organization has not disclosed its full schedule for the following season, yet it is confirmed that Mexico City is no longer in contention. According to Denny Hamlin on the latest “Actions Detrimental” episode, the choice boils down to one factor: money. While he did not attend the previous Mexico City event due to the birth of his son, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver and 23XI Racing co-owner provided a forthright assessment of what influenced NASCAR leadership.
“No tacos for me, bummer. Usually this stuff all comes down to money, let’s be honest. Maybe someone’s bid isn’t what it needed to be or they didn’t sell as many tickets and so the return from that wasn’t enough. It’s always money…It (attendane) certainly sounded like it wasn’t what they expected…Decisions are always made by money and more than likely this is a money thing.”
—Denny Hamlin on the NASCAR Mexico City race being ditched for 2026
Ticket sales were reportedly below what organizers had forecast, reducing the event’s profitability. Hamlin elaborated that decisions in motorsport often hinge on financial returns rather than purely on logistical challenges or local support. The theme of revenue shortfalls and low attendance emerged repeatedly, casting doubt on the economic sustainability of international races for NASCAR.
Operational and Logistical Issues Exacerbate Decision
Aside from money, Hamlin acknowledged significant obstacles faced by teams traveling to Mexico City. His own team missed firsthand experience at the circuit, but through anecdotes from within the garage and crew, he described a series of daunting operational hurdles.
“I can tell you from the team standpoint, we are like wiping our forehead. Mexico was very, very challenging logistically. Very, very tough on our race teams to repair cars a week to 10 days in advance. Just a tremendous task. Not only the task of that, but the task it had on everyone’s stomach when they got back home. There were a lot of sick people, lots. I know of five to six that were in really, really bad shape.”
—Denny Hamlin on the logistical issues and stomach problems teams had with the Mexico City race
According to Hamlin, preparing vehicles well over a week before arrival disrupted typical routines and demanded significant changes to team operations. Furthermore, some team members fell ill after returning home, with Hamlin learning of at least five or six individuals who suffered unusually severe stomach problems. These health complications, coupled with the extra demands on truck drivers and support staff, made the Mexico event particularly draining on NASCAR personnel.
Calendar Conflicts and Replacement Events
While financial loss and logistical strain were central, scheduling complications also played a significant role. Journalist Jeff Gluck from The Athletic reported that Mexico’s status as a co-host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup restricted date availability, complicating efforts for both Mexican organizers and NASCAR. The collision of high-profile international events made it difficult to maintain Mexico City as a consistent stop for the Cup Series.
In lieu of Mexico City, NASCAR plans to shift a race to Naval Base Coronado near San Diego, although this is widely viewed as a potential one-off. Discussions around the San Diego event suggest that the organization is exploring alternatives to international expansion, possibly reverting to new domestic venues amid shifting global schedules.
Hamlin’s Season Context and Future Implications
Denny Hamlin’s candid remarks reflect broader pressures NASCAR now confronts in sustaining international events. As the sport looks to finalize its schedule, teams, drivers, and fans must navigate a landscape shaped as much by business imperatives and global event clashes as by on-track competition.
The driver himself continues to be a central figure, boasting 719 points, 4 wins, 12 top-10 finishes, 11 top-5 placements, 1 pole position, 3 DNFs, 555 laps led, an average starting spot of 14.955, and an average finish of 13.045 this season. His outspokenness on the Mexico City decision underscores just how interconnected financial concerns, operational complexity, and international sports scheduling have become in the future of stock car racing. As NASCAR seeks new markets and revisits its priorities, the absence of Mexico from the 2026 calendar serves as a stark reminder of these tensions and the far-reaching impact each venue decision can have on the sport’s trajectory.
