NASCAR’s 2025 Cup season has been nothing short of revolutionary. With a series of firsts and bold moves, the sport has been making headlines and capturing the attention of fans worldwide. From signing deals with streaming giant Amazon Prime to broadcasting races on TNT Sports, NASCAR has been taking big steps towards expanding its reach and appeal. And now, in a move that has surprised many, the sport has announced its plans to hold a points race in Mexico City.
This announcement has caused quite a stir in the racing community, with fans and experts alike expressing their excitement and anticipation for this new addition to the Cup season. But amidst all the buzz and hype, there is one voice that has stood out – that of young driver Carson Hocevar.
In a rare public message, Hocevar has called out NASCAR’s biggest flaw – its struggle to compete with the NFL’s dominance in American viewership. And he’s not wrong. The National Football League has long been the undisputed king of American sports, with millions of viewers tuning in every week to watch their favorite teams battle it out on the field. And this has been a major obstacle for NASCAR, which has been trying to break into the mainstream and capture a larger audience.
But with the recent developments and changes in the sport, it seems like NASCAR is finally ready to take on the challenge. And the addition of a points race in Mexico City is a clear indication of the sport’s determination to expand its global reach and attract a more diverse fan base.
The decision to hold a race in Mexico City is a strategic one, as it not only opens up new opportunities for the sport but also celebrates the growing popularity of NASCAR in Latin America. The sport has been gaining a strong following in the region, with races in Mexico and Brazil drawing in large crowds and generating a lot of buzz. And with the addition of a points race in Mexico City, NASCAR is sending a clear message – it is a truly global sport that is here to stay.
But this move is not just about expanding the sport’s reach; it is also about showcasing the diversity and inclusivity of NASCAR. The sport has been making efforts to promote diversity and equality, with initiatives like the Drive for Diversity program and the NASCAR Diversity Internship Program. And by holding a race in Mexico City, NASCAR is not only embracing its Hispanic fan base but also sending a message of unity and acceptance to the world.
Moreover, the addition of a points race in Mexico City is a smart business move for NASCAR. The sport has been facing declining attendance and TV ratings in recent years, and this move could help attract new fans and generate more revenue. With Mexico City being a major hub for sports and entertainment, the race is expected to draw in a large crowd and create a buzz that will help boost the sport’s popularity and revenue.
But as Hocevar pointed out, NASCAR’s biggest flaw is not its competition with the NFL, but its failure to effectively market and promote itself. And this is where the sport needs to step up its game. With the addition of a points race in Mexico City, NASCAR has a golden opportunity to showcase its unique brand of racing to a new audience and win over more fans. But this will require a strong marketing strategy and effective promotion of the race, both in Mexico and in the US.
In conclusion, NASCAR’s decision to hold a points race in Mexico City is a bold and exciting move that has the potential to bring about a positive change in the sport. It is a step towards expanding the sport’s reach, promoting diversity and inclusivity, and attracting new fans and revenue. But for this move to be successful, NASCAR needs to work on its marketing and promotion strategies and capitalize on this opportunity to make a mark in the global sports arena. As fans, let us support and celebrate this new addition to the Cup season and hope that it leads to a brighter and more successful future for NASCAR.
