NASCAR Mexico reschedules Panama race planned for September

The NASCAR México race in Panama scheduled for September has been removed from the 2025 calendar. The organization confirmed the cancellation of the Nations Panama City 200 and announced that it will soon reveal the replacement venue to complete the 14 scheduled races.

The decision scraps what would have been the Mexican championship's first international venture. In an official statement, NASCAR México justified the change as follows:

"NASCAR MÉXICO SERIES and OPEMSA have decided to reschedule the race in Panama, prioritizing the preparation and performance of teams and sponsors, especially during the playoffs stage. This decision, backed by strong collaboration with authorities and commercial partners, reflects our commitment to ensuring a high-quality event and continuing sustained long-term growth.

NASCAR MÉXICO SERIES and OPEMSA have decided to reschedule the race in Panama, prioritizing the preparation and performance of teams and sponsors, especially during the playoffs stage.

Photo By Carlos Castillo

We will soon announce the race that will replace Panama. NASCAR México Series reaffirms its commitment to delivering a 2025 calendar with all 14 scheduled races and reiterates its strategic focus on providing the best possible show during the crucial playoffs stage, where every point is decisive."

The official explanation avoids mentioning the real reasons for the cancellation. NASCAR México doesn't explain what went wrong with an event that required moving 700 staff members and crossing five countries with all equipment.

If Autódromo Panamá had the necessary facilities since the original announcement, what changed in these months? The statement mentions "rescheduling" rather than outright cancellation, leaving the door open for future attempts.

The Nations Panama City 200 had been presented as the major expansion bet into Central America, completing the race that had been pending since the initial calendar announcement last December. Drivers like Regina Sirvent, Xavi Razo, German Quiroga, and Rubén Rovelo participated in the presentation.

Autódromo Panamá has two FIA-approved configurations, a pit area for 80 cars, and parking capacity for over 4,000 vehicles. Jimmy Morales had highlighted the venue's infrastructure as a key factor in its selection, even mentioning expectations that the series would visit the country for five years.

Precedents of changes in NASCAR México

The Panama rescheduling recalls what happened with Guadalajara in 2024, when the organization had advanced negotiations to bring the championship to a projected track near Akron Stadium. That plan was also scrapped without materializing.

The 2025 calendar had already undergone modifications last May when NASCAR México updated the schedule via a social media image that included four changes to dates and venues, without explanations.