Julio Rejón wins in Querétaro his second consecutive NASCAR Mexico playoff race

Julio Rejón has something special with the playoffs. The #55 driver just won his second consecutive race in the decisive phase of the NASCAR México Series, this time at the EcoCentro de Querétaro, after snatching a near-certain victory from Alex de Alba in the final 10 laps. In August, Rejón had broken his winless streak by winning in San Luis Potosí alongside his brother Rodrigo. More than a month later, he did it again: showing up when the pressure is at its highest and the points matter most.

De Alba Does Everything Right Except the Hardest Part

Alex de Alba couldn't have had a better weekend until Sunday afternoon. Pole position with a significant advantage over the second qualifier. Led from the green flag. Controlled the pace for 130 of 140 laps. And then came those decisive 10 laps.

"The car was really very good. I'm enjoying this pole. I'm really looking forward to tomorrow's race," de Alba had said on Saturday, confident he could convert that pole into his first playoff victory. But on Sunday, Rejón found the exact moment to attack and de Alba couldn't respond. He finished third, a result that would be good on any other race weekend, but one that hurts more in the playoffs.

"I am by no means leaving disappointed because the goal was to continue in the playoffs, plus I was the one who led the most laps, and we're going to my hometown for the final step towards the ultimate prize," explained de Alba, maintaining the perspective that the important thing was to advance. Despite losing the victory, de Alba finished third and achieved his goal of staying among the seven qualifiers to continue in the playoffs.

Photo By Nascar México Series

Xavi Razo Takes Advantage of the Chaos Ahead

While Rejón and de Alba were fighting for the win, Xavi Razo did what an experienced driver knows how to do: stay close and take advantage when those ahead run into trouble. The #7 driver had hit rock bottom in San Luis Potosí (24th place, mechanical problems) and needed a miracle to stay alive. His second place came just when he needed it. As Rejón passed de Alba, Razo slipped onto the podium and saved a season that seemed lost.

"Thanks to the work of Jordi's entire team and what I put on the track," he commented, with the satisfaction of someone who knows they just pulled off the impossible.

Max Gutiérrez Has a Tough Race But Hangs On

Max Gutiérrez arrived as the championship leader and with the confidence of having secured a podium in San Luis Potosí when all seemed lost. But on Sunday in Querétaro, he had no answers. A seventh-place finish, far from the fight, watching others write the headlines. In the playoffs, momentum is everything. Gutiérrez had it after San Luis Potosí and lost it in Querétaro. He is still qualified for the next round, but no longer as the favorite, just as one more contender.

Despite the poor result, Gutiérrez remains among the seven qualifiers still in the title fight. The other four spots were taken by Germán Quiroga (fourth), José Luis Ramírez (fifth), and Eloy Falcón (sixth).

Photo By Nissan

Elimination Shows No Mercy

The NASCAR México Series playoffs are merciless to the favorites. Rubén Rovelo had started second on the grid and finished 15th, eliminated. Abraham Calderón arrived fourth in points but suffered problems during the race to finish 13th, also out. Rubén García Jr. (eighth) and Enrique Baca (11th) completed the list of eliminated drivers. Seven survivors advance to the next round: Max Gutiérrez, Julio Rejón, Alex de Alba, Germán Quiroga, José Luis Ramírez, Eloy Falcón, and Xavi Razo.

Helio Meza Wins in Challenge Series

In the Challenge Series, Helio Meza won from the pole position. The #27 had finished second in San Luis Potosí behind Diego Ortíz, but this time it was the reverse: Meza first, Ortíz second. "It was a very complicated race, it had a bit of everything, but the team gave me a competitive car that made it easier for me to take the pole, the victory, and finally be able to stay in the championship fight," said Meza. Diego Ortíz finished second and Giancarlo Vecchi completed the podium. The seven finalists in the Challenge Series: Meza, Ortíz, Vecchi, Santos Zanella Jr., Alonso Salinas, Víctor Barrales, and Koke de la Parra.

Photo By Nascar México Series

Next Stop: Back to San Luis Potosí

The playoffs continue in San Luis Potosí on October 5th. The Súper Óvalo Potosino will once again host the seven qualifiers, where Rejón got his first victory in this decisive phase. Seven drivers remain in the title fight, but there are still three races ahead: San Luis Potosí, Aguascalientes, and the final in Puebla on November 9th.

Final Results - NASCAR México Series - Querétaro

NASCAR México Race (140 laps)

Challenge Series