NASCAR and the Busch Series in Mexico

In recent months, rumors have surfaced about a possible NASCAR Cup race in Mexico City. Although nothing has been officially confirmed, these rumors have sparked great interest among motorsports fans in Mexico.
Between 2005 and 2008, NASCAR's Busch Series visited Mexico City at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez as part of an effort to expand NASCAR's presence outside the United States, taking advantage of the growing fan base of motorsports in Mexico. Negotiations to bring the races to Mexico involved NASCAR, local sponsors such as Telcel and Motorola, and the autódromo authorities.

Organization and logistics:

Logistical coordination presented numerous challenges. Transporting race cars and equipment to Mexico required a careful shipping and customs handling plan. UPS coordinated and supported the logistics for the event. With special documentary requirements and advance coordination between officials from the United States and Mexico.

UPS managed and sealed all NASCAR equipment, coordinated international logistics, and organized over 80 trucks, including emergency, security, and media vehicles, in several convoys.

The equipment arrived at the UPS Logistics Center in Laredo, Texas, from multiple points across the country. After quick clearance, the convoys crossed the international bridge to begin the approximately 20-hour nonstop journey to Mexico City. Each convoy was escorted by federal and private security, with coordinated communications en route. After the race, UPS completed all procedures in reverse for re-entry into the United States for the next weekend's race.

Challenges and adjustments:

The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is a technical circuit that required adjustments to the cars and specific strategies due to Mexico City's altitude, which affects engine power and tire performance. These same challenges are also present in Formula 1 cars when they visit this circuit, where the lower air density reduces engine power and aerodynamic efficiency, and affects the cooling of the car's components. The race organization also had to adapt to local infrastructure, ensuring that safety and operational regulations were met to NASCAR standards.

Drivers and competitions:

The event attracted a mix of regular Busch Series drivers and some guests. Among the drivers who participated in these races were figures such as Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards, and Kevin Harvick. Local drivers such as Jorge Goeters, Patrick Carpentier, and Adrián Fernández also competed. Adrián Fernández, known for his success in various motorsports categories, was a notable representative of Mexico and attracted many local fans. Additionally, Scott Pruett, known for his experience in endurance racing and sports cars, participated.

Reasons for the end of races in Mexico:

The Busch Series races in Mexico ended in 2008 due to several factors. The main reason was the global economic recession that began in 2007-2008, which led to a reduction in team and sponsor budgets. Additionally, the logistics and costs associated with organizing international races became unsustainable in that economic context. NASCAR decided to focus its resources on events within the United States to maintain the financial viability of the series.