NASCAR Mexico Series disembarks in Panama with the Nations Panama City 200

NASCAR México Series will expand its international footprint with the official inclusion of Autódromo Panamá in its 2025 calendar. The race, named Nations Panama City 200, will take place on September 13-14, thus completing the date that had remained pending confirmation since the initial calendar announcement on December 16, 2024.

This expansion into Panama is not an improvised decision, but rather the result of several months of planning and negotiations. The organization had been exploring the possibility of incorporating the Central American country as part of its international growth strategy.

Strategic expansion into Central America

The venture into Panamanian territory marks the first time the Mexican championship reaches this country, strengthening its presence in the Central American region. According to Jimmy Morales, what convinced NASCAR México to set its sights on Panama was the exceptional infrastructure of the racetrack located in the Capira District.

During the press conference, expectations were mentioned that the series could visit the country over the next five years, though this hasn't been officially confirmed in NASCAR México Series communications.

It's important to note that this international expansion of NASCAR México coincides with a similar move by NASCAR in the United States, which for the first time will include a points-scoring event in Mexico City. This parallel strategy shows clear interest by the organization to expand beyond its traditional borders, creating new opportunities for the sport and its fans throughout the region.

World-class facilities

Autódromo Panamá features facilities that meet international standards, highlighting the following characteristics:

• Two FIA-homologated circuit configurations
• FIA-certified karting circuit
• Service areas with restaurants and three food and beverage zones
• Capacity for over 4,000 vehicles in parking
• Two Fan Zones specially designed for spectators
• Exclusive VIP boxes for premium viewers
• Pit area with capacity for 80 cars
• Private garages for teams
• Secure area for helicopter landings
• Road design with multiple access points to minimize traffic impact
• Two conference rooms with capacity for 100 people each

Its strategic location in one of Panama's most central geographic points makes it an ideal venue for this type of international events, offering accessibility and comfort for both participants and spectators.

Large-scale logistics

Event organization involves considerable logistical effort. More than 700 staff members are expected during the competition weekend. Teams and their equipment will travel through five countries to reach the Panamanian venue, representing an additional challenge for participants.

Mexican drivers like Regina Sirvent, Xavi Razo, German Quiroga and Rubén Rovelo have already shared their expectations about the race during a press conference held in Panama.

Complete 2025 NASCAR México Series Calendar

The inclusion of Panama as an international venue integrates into a 14-date schedule for the 2025 season. Below is the complete calendar:

As shown, the Panama date appears as the eleventh round of the championship, scheduled for September 13, being the only race outside Mexican territory in the entire season.

An important detail to highlight is that the Panama race will take place on a Saturday, which represents an exception in the NASCAR México Series calendar where competitions are traditionally held on Sundays. Historically, the only dates that took place on Saturdays were the night races in Chihuahua.

Pending details to confirm

An important aspect to consider is that, so far, the organization hasn't provided detailed information about several crucial elements of the event. It hasn't been specified which of the two FIA-homologated circuit configurations will be used for the competition.

The exact format of the Nations Panama City 200 race hasn't been defined either. Another point that remains unclear is whether there will be support categories accompanying NASCAR México Series during the activity weekend.

These aspects are fundamental for teams in terms of technical and logistical preparation, so they're expected to be clarified in upcoming official communications.