In a landmark moment for motorsports, NASCAR made history in 2025 by holding its first point-scoring race outside the United States since 1958, with Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez as the venue. Daniel Suarez, the only full-time Mexican driver in the Cup Series, played a pivotal role in bringing the Daniel Suarez NASCAR Mexico race to reality, showcasing the sport’s growing ambition to tap into international audiences.
Daniel Suarez’s Milestone Race on Home Soil
The Daniel Suarez NASCAR Mexico race was the culmination of years of persistent efforts, not just from Suarez but from NASCAR, local organizations, sponsors, and Mexican motorsports enthusiasts. Competing at home was a rare career highlight for Suarez, who reflected on the significance of racing in his native country and the emotions tied to that achievement.
“My goal for that weekend was to try and enjoy that weekend. I knew how much work it took for us to be there. I really wanted to make sure I was enjoying and being present in the moment.”
— Daniel Suarez, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Though the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez previously hosted NASCAR’s Xfinity Series from 2005 to 2008, a Cup Series event had never been held on Mexican soil until 2025. The announcement in 2024 created a buzz among fans and teams, and while Suarez started 10th and finished 19th, the experience was more important to him than the final result.
“After that race, I didn’t really have time to analyze everything because we’re continuing to race every single weekend. Analysis is only over, when you look back and you look to everything we were able to do in Mexico. With the fans, brands, sponsors, country, the race itself, and what an unbelievable weekend.”
— Daniel Suarez, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
The race cemented his status as a trailblazer for Mexican and Latin American athletes within a typically U.S.-centric sport. The event’s success reaffirmed the large and growing NASCAR fan base in Mexico and proved the series’ potential to reach fans far beyond American borders.
NASCAR’s Expanding Global Vision
For NASCAR, the Mexico event was a strategic step in exploring international markets, recognizing that fans outside the U.S. are invested in the sport. The thriving NASCAR Canada Series and the growing NASCAR Brasil Series demonstrate how the fan base continues to expand across the Americas, with the latter holding its season finale at São Paulo’s Autódromo José Carlos Pace in 2025.
“Not just Mexico, but Canada, Brazil, there are just so many great markets out there that follow the sport very closely.”
— Daniel Suarez, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Recent reports of a Bristol-style track being considered for Brazil highlight the organization’s forward momentum in developing new events and track concepts for international venues. This strategy is intended to solidify NASCAR’s reputation as a global motorsports leader and foster new generations of fans in diverse regions.
Key figures like Mike Bagley, who interviewed Suarez, and NASCAR executives view these efforts as crucial for both growing the sport and providing opportunities for drivers of different backgrounds. The international push aligns with NASCAR’s broader efforts to embrace diversity and increase engagement across continents.
Changes Ahead for Daniel Suarez and Team Dynamics
The 2025 season was meant to be a highlight for Daniel Suarez with Trackhouse Racing, but change is on the horizon. Suarez will not return to the No. 99 Trackhouse Chevy in 2026, as 19-year-old rookie Connor Zilisch steps in. This shift marks the end of an era, as Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen will take #1 and #97, with Zilisch piloting the #88.
Nonetheless, Suarez remains in the spotlight. In 2026, he will race the #7 car for Spire Motorsports, a move that results in Justin Haley leaving for Kaulig Racing’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series entry. This will be Suarez’s fifth team in the Cup Series, and he is set to join forces with Carson Hocevar and long-time rival Michael McDowell—two names familiar to dedicated NASCAR fans.
“They’ve really been growing the last three years. I’m very excited to see this new chapter and opportunity.”
— Daniel Suarez, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
With Suarez’s move to Spire, NASCAR’s narrative of international expansion and driver mobility continues, providing both experienced veterans and new talents with opportunities across teams and markets. Suarez’s journey also underscores the human aspect of racing—the personal stakes and transitions that come with a highly competitive sport.
The Bond Between Driver and Fans Amid Rapid Change
Daniel Suarez’s trailblazing role is closely watched by fans and fellow drivers such as Ross Chastain and Michael McDowell. Suarez’s Mexican heritage and international viewpoint have brought fresh excitement to NASCAR, especially among fans from Mexico and Latin America. His presence at events like the 2025 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Florida, where Jeff Robinson captured his waves to the crowd, shows his continued popularity and impact within the Cup Series.
As Suarez transitions to Spire Motorsports, the competitive dynamic of NASCAR is set to evolve, especially with talented rookies like Connor Zilisch arriving and veterans such as Justin Haley adapting to new opportunities. Shane van Gisbergen’s switch to the #97 and Michael McDowell’s inclusion round out a series of notable changes likely to capture fans’ interest ahead of the 2026 season.
Meanwhile, the involvement of key NASCAR leaders, including Steve O’Donnell, and rival teams such as Kaulig Racing, underscores a competitive climate where adaptation and international growth remain priorities.
An International Future for NASCAR
The 2025 point-scoring event in Mexico exemplified the sport’s readiness to embrace change. By engaging with international venues like Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez and expanding into markets in Brazil and Canada, NASCAR has demonstrated a commitment to spreading its unique brand of racing worldwide. As new stars like Connor Zilisch join the ranks, and experienced drivers like Daniel Suarez embrace fresh challenges with teams such as Spire Motorsports, the future appears more interconnected and diverse than ever.
This evolution aims not only to benefit commercial sponsors and media platforms but also to unite a widespread fandom, with loyal viewers in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, and beyond. As NASCAR continues to break new ground, athletes, organizations, and fans alike remain poised for further international milestones on and off the track.
