It’s finally happening after 67 years. According to sources, NASCAR is finalizing a deal to host a Cup Series race in Mexico City in 2025. The race is set to be held at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez road course, a track that also hosts the Mexican Grand Prix in Formula 1. As things stand, the Xfinity and Cup Series races are scheduled for June 14th and 15th, respectively, giving fans and drivers plenty to look forward to in the upcoming season.

Questions have been raised about Kyle Busch’s involvement in the race after the Richard Childress Racing driver faced some legal troubles on his last visit to Mexico. However, a prominent NASCAR insider has downplayed the speculation, claiming Rowdy will be able to race at the historic event.

Kyle Busch overcomes legal hoops to participate in historic NASCAR event

The last time NASCAR held a points-paying Cup Series race outside the U.S. was back in 1958, when a race was held at the Canadian Exhibition Stadium in Toronto, Ontario. The talk of adding an international race to the calendar has been the sanctioning body’s goal for a long time, as they look to expand their market. Mexico represents an ideal venue, as the sport has seen its popularity rise in the country considerably in the last few years. The Xfinity Series raced on the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez for four consecutive years from 2005 to 2008, and the events were a great success.

Busch, who had traveled to Mexico for a vacation in 2023, found himself in hot water when officials discovered a .380 caliber pistol with six hollow-point bullets in his bag. He was subsequently fined $1,100 and sentenced to 3.5 years in Mexican prison. While Rowdy managed to avoid the prison sentence, fans questioned his involvement in the Cup Series race in Mexico City. However, Fox Sports journalist Bob Pockrass clarified the uncertainty, saying, “It is my understanding that Kyle Busch will be good to race in Mexico.”

After the incident in Mexico, Kyle Busch apologized for his mistake by saying, “When departing the country, my handgun was flagged during routine screening at the airport. I have a valid concealed carry permit from my local authority and adhere to all handgun laws, but I made a mistake by forgetting it was in my bag. I apologize for my mistake and appreciate the respect shown by all parties as we resolved the matter. My family and I consider this issue closed.” Considering that Rowdy can legally enter Mexico again, despite going through a legitimate legal scare, it’s fair to say that the matter can be considered closed indeed.

With NASCAR having a 36-points-race schedule, sources have indicated that the addition of Mexico City’s race will come at the expense of Richmond Raceway losing one of its two races. The track has consistently held two Cup Series races since 1959, but with NASCAR still working towards developing a quality short-track package, the 0.750-mile track has struggled to attract crowds in recent years. While an official announcement could be made as early as this week, many fans will breathe a sigh of relief that Kyle Busch won’t be forced to miss out on this historic event.

Fans react to Busch’s eligibility for New Mexico race

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After Bob Pockrass reassured fans that Rowdy would be eligible to compete in the Mexico race, many took to social media to express their views on the situation. Expressing gratitude for the Fox Sports journalist’s insight into the matter, one fan wrote on X, “I’m glad you cleared that up.” Another fan expressed his apprehension about Busch’s participation in the race, highlighting how strict the Mexican government can be in dealing with such matters. The fan wrote, “Idk about this one Bob. Unless it’s special treatment border security/the Mexican government isn’t usually ones to just let people with past convictions through.”

Plenty of theories were flying around about the restrictions that the Richard Childress Racing driver will be subjected to when he returns to Mexico in 2025. A fan went on to say, “Probably can go but can’t go anywhere outside of the track and most likely will have security escort to and from the track.” For one NASCAR supporter, the prospect of Kyle Busch not being allowed to compete in a sporting event was absurd, irrespective of his history with the Mexican government. The X user wrote, “I know he had his issues with the country but obviously, he’ll be allowed, he’s a pro athlete going there to compete in a sporting event. It would be a shit show if they didn’t.”

While Bob Pockrass is one of the most reliable voices to stay up to date with NASCAR news, one fan joked that the Fox Sports contributor also had a know-how in international laws. Responding to Pockrass’ tweet, the fan made a tongue-in-cheek comment, saying, “Bob Pockrass, international legal expert.” While Busch will be relieved to hear about his participation in the historic event, his focus is currently on the final Cup Series race of the regular season at Darlington. The 39-year-old has one opportunity to make it into the playoffs, having come agonizingly close at Daytona. It’s now or never for Rowdy; everything depends on whether he takes the chance.

What are your thoughts about Kyle Busch’s participation in the Mexico race? Let us know in the comments!