“A rockstar ”: Fans react as Bubba Wallace feels the love of NASCAR faithful in Mexico

NASCAR is making history by staging its first-ever points-paying Cup Series race outside of the United States, at Mexico City’s famed Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Fans have reacted to the fan reception that Bubba Wallace has received in Mexico City.

Drivers and teams are facing immediate challenges as they adapt to the high-altitude circuit, which sits over 7,200 feet above sea level. The thin air can affect the race by affecting engine performance and a check of the drivers' stamina. Meanwhile, they will tackle the 2.42-mile 15-turn layout, which will check their technical proficiency.

For the 100-lap sprint, Shane van Gisbergen of Trackhouse Racing will be starting from pole with Ryan Preece of RFK Racing in second. SVG’s pole position for the Viva Mexico 250 was his first pole of the season, and he will be tackling one of NASCAR’s longest frontstretch measuring in at 3,937 feet.

Bubba Wallace felt the love of the fans in Mexico City. He was seen signing autographs for his fans before the race, and fans have reacted to the reception that the 23XI Racing driver received.

One fan penned under the clip shared by Bob Pockrass on X:

"Bubba is a rockstar in Mexico!"

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Bubba is a rockstar in Mexico!

Another fan said:

"Great energy"

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Great energy

Meanwhile, a fan shared how they felt about the reception every driver was getting during the weekend:

"Not gonna lie, seeing drivers being welcomed so openly by fans all weekend is dope. Definitely help building the bridge to create new fans and a connection with long term fans that never had this kind of opportunity."

"Love to see this!" a fan penned.

"Awesome he deserves it," another fan said.

Bubba Wallace has experienced a season of highs and lows through the first 15 races of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series. While he has managed to secure three top-five finishes and six top-ten finishes, he has also faced adversity with his five DNFs. With 383 points, Wallace is ranked in 10th place in the Cup Standings.

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Bubba Wallace urges NASCAR to not repeat the issues with racing in Mexico

Bubba Wallace has urged NASCAR to address and resolve the logistical issues that arose during the series’ historic race weekend in Mexico City. Wallace acknowledged NASCAR’s “massive step” in expanding internationally, but emphasized that the travel complications—such as charter flight failures that left personnel stranded and forced last-minute changes—must not be repeated if the sport is to succeed in other countries.

The 23XI Racing driver believes that with better planning and coordination, NASCAR can improve these aspects and make future international events smoother for all involved.

"I think if we can all come together and come up with some solid plan that we won’t have to run into that issue again. Nothing is ever the same. I think it can be done. I think the leadership has done a good job with everything that is in place for us to get here and put on an event for the local crowd here in Mexico. The real answer to that will be post-race once we all see it all – like this is my first couple of hours on the race track grounds, and I’ve enjoyed it so far," Wallace elaborated via CupScene.

Despite the logistical hurdles, Bubba Wallace expressed appreciation for the efforts of NASCAR leadership and especially praised the truck drivers, calling them “the real heroes” for ensuring that teams and equipment made it to Mexico