The NASCAR Cup Series is heading back to Mexico City for a challenging race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez this Sunday, where several drivers face unknown variables on the track. Among the competitors, Kyle Busch stands out, drawing confidence from his previous success at this venue as he aims to replicate his 2008 Xfinity Series victory. Busch’s past experience gives him a valuable edge in what promises to be a demanding contest.
Kyle Busch’s familiarity with the Mexico City circuit dates back to his win in the 2008 Xfinity race held at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, a track that hosted the series from 2005 to 2008. Though many years have passed since that victory, Busch appears to be mentally drawing strength from it. Recently, he shared photos of his 2008 celebration on Instagram, posting,
I know y’all remember the last time we raced in Mexico.
This reference to his past triumph energized fans, who expressed strong support for ‘Rowdy’ as he pursues his first win of the 2025 season.
Fans responded enthusiastically, with one commenting,
You were just a baby lol! Go do it again… Easy peasy.
Another added,
You got this ROWDY !!!
while a third remarked,
With the way COTA went, there is a chance.
Busch’s recent performance at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) supports this hope, as he secured a fifth-place finish there, marking his best placement this year driving for Richard Childress Racing in the No. 8 car.
Drivers with Previous Experience on the Mexico City Track
Besides Busch, several other drivers have raced at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez during the Xfinity Series period. Notably, Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski competed on this circuit as well. Hamlin, who earned a win there in 2006, may be absent for this upcoming race due to the birth of his third child with Jordan Fish. This development leaves Busch as arguably the most experienced veteran on the grid for this specific track layout.
Daniel Suarez also brings local track familiarity, having won three races at the facility’s one-mile oval configuration, which is used in the NASCAR Mexico Series. However, these victories occurred on a different track setup compared to the current road course. Additionally, Michael McDowell claimed a sports car race win on this circuit in 2005, adding another layer of past success among entrants. How much these past wins on various layouts will affect Sunday’s race remains uncertain.
Drivers’ Perspectives on Returning to Mexico City
Denny Hamlin shared his outlook with Fox Sports, noting his simulator sessions have helped refresh his memory of the course. He described,
“I recognize a few of the corners as I’m running it [in the simulator]. I’m like, ‘Yeah I remember this, remember that.’ Certainly there are some different parts of the track that we didn’t get to run.”
Hamlin continued,
But overall, it feels pretty straightforward to me. Not much to it. I think there’s a bunch of passing zones. I’m actually looking forward to this one,
capturing a sentiment likely shared by other drivers familiar with the venue. This optimism and anticipation underline the competitive spirit leading into the race weekend.
Kyle Busch’s strong connection to the Mexico City track and his recent performance boost expectations for a successful outing. His past triumph sets a hopeful tone for fans and competitors alike, making the race a highlight of the NASCAR calendar. As Busch pushes for another victory on this challenging circuit, the event promises excitement and intense competition, with many watching closely to see if he can once again reclaim the winner’s circle in Mexico.