In July 2025, NASCAR made a significant move to expand its global presence by hosting the Viva Mexico 250 at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City. Joey Logano, the defending series champion, emphasized the importance of this international event as a critical step for NASCAR’s growth beyond U.S. borders. He acknowledged the challenges but stressed that this bold initiative aligns with the broader trend of major American sports leagues pursuing international markets.

Logano highlighted how leagues like the NFL, NBA, and Major League Baseball have embraced games abroad, increasing their fan base and sponsor reach. Pointing to NASCAR’s Mexico City event, he remarked,

I think all sports have some kind of national appeal, and you see this in other sports too, as they start to go abroad a little bit and just do a game or two in different countries.

—Joey Logano, NASCAR Driver

He further addressed the logistical difficulties unique to NASCAR that went beyond transporting players to include moving cars, equipment, and full crews internationally.

What I’m saying, logistically, it’s a little harder for us because we’re not just taking the team, we’ve got to take the car and all the parts and the pieces, and it’s just a lot. We were able to accomplish that, and you got to step out of your comfort zone.

—Joey Logano, NASCAR Driver

The week was marked by delays as two planes carrying key crew and drivers were grounded, postponing practice sessions for several teams. Despite these complications, Logano sensed that the operations went as well as could be expected given the circumstances.

The Mexico City Event Proves to Be a Landmark Moment for NASCAR

The Viva Mexico 250 showcased a strong reception, with the venue ready and the atmosphere charged with enthusiasm. Logano praised the Mexican fans as deeply committed to NASCAR, saying,

Last weekend we were doing something that’s outside of our comfort zone, but it went really, really smoothly… The track was great, they were ready for us,

and added that the competition on the track was genuine and intense. He also commented on the passion of the local fans, who brought an electrifying energy to the weekend.

One of the event’s highlights was hometown racer Daniel Suarez’s emotional Xfinity Series victory, which ignited the crowd’s excitement. Suarez, a veteran of 20 years in the sport, acknowledged the uniqueness of the experience. Meanwhile, in the Cup Series race, Shane van Gisbergen delivered a commanding performance, winning by 16 seconds—the largest margin in over a decade. Joey Logano noted,

These people are passionate. They are die-hard NASCAR fans.

—Joey Logano, NASCAR Driver

Mexico was strategically chosen for this major international expansion because of its proximity to the United States, established motorsport culture, and existing infrastructure due to previous Xfinity Series events in the country during the 2000s. NASCAR leadership aims to learn from the Mexico experience before approaching more distant locations such as Europe or the Middle East.

Potential Challenges and Fan Reactions to NASCAR’s Global Strategy

While the Mexico City races brought historic moments on and off the track, they also sparked debate among fans. Some express concern that expanding into international and urban street circuits might distance NASCAR from its traditional roots centered around oval racing. Others defend the evolution as necessary for the sport’s future.

Veteran Dale Earnhardt Jr. weighed in on the shift toward more road course events, reflecting on his own changing perspective:

I used to not love road course races, you know, I used to not want them added to the schedule, but I’m sort of understanding at this point in my life,

he shared, acknowledging the changing dynamics of the sport and its fan engagement.

The tension between innovation and tradition remains high as NASCAR balances maintaining loyal fans with the desire to appeal to new audiences worldwide. Industry insiders note that while some longtime supporters may feel alienated, expansion efforts like Mexico City offer significant commercial and promotional advantages.

NASCAR’s Proposed San Diego Street Race Could Signal New Directions in 2026

Following the Mexico City event’s success, NASCAR is pursuing further urban expansion with plans to introduce a street race in downtown San Diego as part of its 2026 schedule. This race would mark NASCAR’s return to Southern California after the 2023 closure of Fontana’s Auto Club Speedway. According to industry sources, NASCAR is close to finalizing the San Diego deal, possibly replacing the Chicago Street Race, whose contract runs through 2025.

San Diego’s vibrant media scene, tourism appeal, and laid-back culture make it a promising market for NASCAR’s ambitions. The organization’s goal is to diversify its calendar by incorporating urban street tracks while keeping traditional ovals as foundational elements of the series.

This proposed shift has divided opinions. While some fans worry about further drifting from NASCAR’s oval-racing traditions, figures like Dale Earnhardt Jr. view diversification as essential for the sport’s sustainability and growth beyond current markets.

If finalized, the 2026 season will showcase NASCAR’s willingness to adapt by potentially keeping the Mexico City race, retiring the Chicago event, and adding San Diego as a key urban venue. This balancing act aims to expand NASCAR’s appeal both domestically and internationally without losing its historical identity.

The Road Ahead: NASCAR’s Global Ambitions and Fan Engagement

Joey Logano’s insights reflect both the difficulties and opportunities of NASCAR’s international push. The Mexico City event demonstrated that stepping beyond traditional borders involves substantial logistical hurdles but also opens doors for new markets and passionate fanbases. With plans for a San Diego street race underway, NASCAR is clearly determined to broaden its horizons.

The challenge now lies in how the sport maintains the loyalty of its existing fans while cultivating new ones around the world. NASCAR’s future will likely depend on striking the right balance between heritage and innovation, and the upcoming seasons will reveal how well its fans embrace these changes.