Could rain affect NASCAR’s landmark race at Mexico? Insider explains

NASCAR Insider Bob Pockrass addressed a question regarding the chances of rain affecting the Cup Series race in Mexico City on Sunday (June 15). He mentioned a varied range of responses where the rain could have a significant impact on the race, whereas some believe that it will be just some drops, much like the Xfinity Series race.

NASCAR is hosting its first-ever points-paying race outside of the United States at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, but the rain forecast predicts a 14% chance of rain close to the start time. It is estimated that the chance of rain will increase by 45% towards the end of the race.

NASCAR, to prepare for the race, has allowed teams to use wet-weather tires. The obstacle with the tires is that they can only be used for light rain and are unsuitable for standing water. This is on top of them already competing for over 100 laps on the 2.42-mile track with 17 turns at an altitude that is the highest on the NASCAR calendar. Shane van Gisbergen has secured the pole for the race.

Bob Pockrass tweeted on X, where he presented the various predictions that the teams have about the chance of rain:

"Depends who you talk to. Some teams think there will be rain at some point during the race and others think it will be like Xfinity race with just occasional drops."

Shane van Gisbergen is a rookie in the Cup Series and a strong road course competitor, with his previous motorsport experience being a driver in the Australian Supercars. The field also includes Mexican driver Daniel Suarez. He won the Xfinity Series race at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez and will be hoping to add on to the accolades in the Cup Series.

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Kyle Larson praises NASCAR Mexico City race, hails Daniel Suarez’s ‘huge’ impact

Kyle Larson, one of NASCAR’s top drivers, praised the historic significance of the Cup Series’ first race at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, highlighting the opportunity to bring the sport directly to Mexican fans who may not have had the chance to attend races in the U.S. He emphasized the passionate sports culture in Mexico and expressed excitement about engaging with a new, enthusiastic audience, calling it “great” to bring NASCAR to them.

"I really love the idea of going to Mexico City and bringing the Cup Series to another country and I know we have a lot of Mexican race fans but it's probably hard for them to come to a race. So, bringing our sport to them is going to be great," he said during a media availability.

Kyle Larson also underscored the importance of Daniel Suarez’s presence in the field, noting that having a Mexican driver, who has long advocated for a race in his home country is “huge” for the event’s impact and visibility.