Kyle Larson shared his enthusiasm for NASCAR’s inaugural Cup Series race at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, emphasizing the importance of reaching new fans beyond the sport’s traditional audience. As the Viva Mexico 250 weekend approaches, Larson highlighted how this landmark event offers a unique opportunity to connect with passionate Mexican fans who may find it difficult to attend races in the United States.
The 2021 Cup Series champion, gearing up for the doubleheader weekend featuring both Xfinity and Cup Series races, spoke about NASCAR’s efforts to expand its global presence by hosting races internationally. Larson praised the move as a vital step toward growing the sport beyond American borders.
Kyle Larson on NASCAR’s Expansion into Mexico and Fan Engagement
In a recent interview, Larson, who drives the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, expressed strong support for NASCAR’s decision to bring the Cup Series to Mexico City:
“I really love the idea of going to Mexico City and bringing the Cup Series to another country and I know we have a lot of Mexican race fans but it’s probably hard for them to come to a race. So, bringing our sport to them is going to be great.”
This expansion marks an important milestone for NASCAR as it aims to involve international audiences more deeply, especially those with long-standing enthusiasm for motorsports but limited access to live stock-car events.
Daniel Suarez’s Impact as a Mexican Cup Series Driver
Larson singled out Daniel Suarez, a Trackhouse Racing driver from Mexico, as a pivotal figure for the race weekend. Suarez has been a vocal advocate for bringing a points-paying NASCAR race to his home country, and his participation contributes significantly to the event’s historic nature.
“Having Daniel Suarez as a part of the Cup Series, too, I think is huge for the event,” said Kyle Larson.
Suarez’s presence not only energizes local fans but also helps promote NASCAR’s broader international goals, reinforcing the race’s importance within both the national and global racing communities.
The Enthusiastic Atmosphere Anticipated at Mexico City
Larson also spoke about the lively and passionate environment expected at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez track. Drawing comparisons to other major Mexican sporting events, he highlighted how the fervor of fans in Mexico adds a unique energy to competitions held in the country.
“So, yeah, I think it’s going to be an awesome atmosphere. I watch the Formula One race (in Mexico City), and you see football events or soccer events and those fans are just incredible. They’re very passionate. I hope they bring that passion to the race and we can put on a good show and hopefully get to come back more and more and maybe potentially travel to other countries,” concluded Larson.
With 32 Cup Series wins to his name, Larson acknowledged the challenge and thrill of racing in front of such an enthusiastic crowd, which will help showcase NASCAR on an international stage.
Kyle Larson’s Performance and Season Standings Context
As the Cup Series reaches its 16th regular-season race with this Mexican doubleheader, Larson remains a top contender, holding second place in the points standings. Having secured three wins so far, the Hendrick Motorsports driver continues to be a strong presence in the championship fight.
Yet, not everyone sees Larson as the dominant driver on his team at this point in the season.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Comments on Teammate William Byron’s Recent Surge
Shortly after the race in Michigan, NASCAR legend and Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. offered his perspective on Larson’s current form compared to his Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron. Speaking on an Amazon Prime post-race show, Earnhardt Jr. highlighted Byron’s recent rise as the team’s top performer.
“The last couple of weeks, I think that he’s [Byron] eclipsed [Kyle]Larson as the best car at Hendrick Motorsports. Nobody’s really been able to say that for a long time.”
Earnhardt Jr. also noted that Larson’s recent performances have not matched his earlier season success:
“Larson was so good throughout the majority of this season, but he’s stumbled and kind of been kind of neutralized a little bit over the last couple of weeks.”
Currently, William Byron leads the overall Cup Series standings, boasting one victory, seven top-five finishes, and nine top-10 results, holding a 41-point advantage over Larson in the ongoing points race.
The Broader Significance of NASCAR’s Mexico City Race
The Mexico City event represents more than just a race weekend; it is a landmark moment for NASCAR’s international growth and inclusion of diverse markets. By hosting a points-paying Cup Series race outside the United States for the first time, NASCAR is positioning itself to cultivate new fanbases and honor the enthusiasm of motorsport supporters in Mexico.
Kyle Larson’s advocacy for the event and his recognition of Daniel Suarez’s vital role underline the cultural importance of the weekend. As NASCAR continues this global expansion, the success of Mexico City’s race could lead to more international stops, enabling the sport to connect with fans worldwide and enhance its competitive landscape across borders.