Bubba Wallace, driver for 23XI Racing, addressed the growing Latino NASCAR fanbase ahead of the Viva Mexico 250, the first points-paying NASCAR Cup Series race outside the United States since 1958. The event is set for June 15 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, and Wallace discussed NASCAR’s efforts to foster inclusivity despite recent controversies surrounding increased immigration enforcement by U.S. authorities.
The question arose during Wallace’s pre-race media session about how he viewed the support from Mexican fans amid the surge in arrests of immigrants without criminal records. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detentions reportedly rose from 860 in January to 7,800 by June, an over 800 percent increase since Donald Trump took office. In response, Wallace emphasized NASCAR’s commitment to welcoming diverse fans, saying,
“I think for us and the image that we have been trying to portray as a sport, at least for the last five years, when everything kind of flipped on its head is making this inclusive for all, making it special for everyone to attend our sport, to have fun and cheer on the favorite driver.”
—Bubba Wallace, NASCAR driver
The Viva Mexico 250 will run for 100 laps and broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video starting from 3 pm Eastern Time. Fans can also follow radio coverage through MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Wallace also took a moment to praise fellow driver Daniel Suarez for his role in bringing NASCAR to Mexico and ensuring the race is a safe and meaningful event for all participants and supporters. He remarked,
“I couldn’t be more proud and excited for (Daniel) Suarez, and understanding that he has put in a lot of work with NASCAR to make this all happen and make it special for all of us. And to see NASCAR support his decisions and needs and wants to make sure that everybody is safe.”
—Bubba Wallace, NASCAR driver
Currently, Wallace is ranked 10th in the series standings with 383 points, including three top-five finishes and six top-10 results so far this season.
Bubba Wallace Reflects on Advice from Kasey Kahne About Road Course Success
As he aims to improve his performance on road courses, Bubba Wallace recalled a pivotal moment from 2018 at Sonoma Raceway when former NASCAR Cup Series driver Kasey Kahne shared encouraging words. Wallace said the advice has stuck with him during his development as a competitor.
Wallace recounted the interaction during a driver’s meeting, saying,
“I had qualified next to last or something and he walks up and he says, ‘You know, I was in the same boat once and all of a sudden just clicked.’ And I think he’s won a couple road course races. He was like ‘You don’t know what it is and all of a sudden just clicks.’ And so I feel like we’re in that transition period where it’s clicking.”
—Bubba Wallace, NASCAR driver
In his most recent five races, Wallace secured a top-five finish at Michigan along with top-10 placements at Nashville and North Wilkesboro Speedway. He remains one of the full-time Cup drivers seeking their first win of the 2025 season.