This weekend, the NASCAR Cup Series will have a unique support series competing throughout the weekend, the NASCAR Mexico Series. It’s the first time ever that the Clash has had a support race, but, what is the series that will run alongside the Cup Series this weekend? Here is a look at the NASCAR Mexico Series.
The NASCAR Mexico Series was founded in 2004 as Desafio Corona, and it was the first international series that NASCAR formed. The series has gone through a few name changes including the NASCAR Corona Series, NASCAR Toyota Series and the NASCAR Peak Mexico Series before being renamed to the NASCAR Mexico Series we know today in 2023.
The Mexico Series is split up into two classes on race day with what nascar.mx calls, “tubular chassis and bodies made of aluminum and plastics that imitate production car models”. The two classes are NASCAR Mexico and NASCAR Challenge who run in the same cars, but both have their own Championship. It’s similar to multi-class racing in IMSA except all classes are the same cars.
General Tire is the exclusive tire supplier of the series. General Tire also supplies tires to the ARCA Menards Series and the NASCAR Pinty’s Series.
The Series has had a few notable drivers race through it as well. Daniel Suarez got his start racing in both the Mexico Series and ARCA Menards Series East/West smultaneously, with a career high 5 wins in the Mexico Series in 2014. German Quiroga won 3 consecutive series Championships between 2009 and 2011, and he eventually competed full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Ruben Garcia Jr. is the only other driver to have won at least 3 Championships, and he bettered Quiroga by winning 4.
As for the race, fans can watch on Sunday, there are a few notable entrants that fans should look for. Some are Mexico Series veterans, and one is a NASCAR Cup Series star. A total of 22 cars are entered including 16 Chevrolets and 6 Fords.
#99 Daniel Suarez
Daniel Suarez is a former series “Rookie of the Year”, and he will pull double duty racing in both the Meixco Series and the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum. He will race in the #99 car with Quaker State sponsorship.
#48 Salvador De Alba
Salvador De Alba is a 2-time Champion of the series, and he looks to defend that title in 2024. He won the Championship by just 11 points over 3-time series Champion German Quiroga, who will not compete in this race. De Alba will be sponsored by Aga Red Cola, and he will be one of 6 Fords in the race.
#88 Ruben Garcia Jr.
As previously mentioned, Ruben Garcia Jr. has the most all-time Championships in the series with 4. In 2023, he tied De Alba for the most wins in the series with 3, and Garcia finished 3rd in the final standings. He will drive the #88 Chevrolet with Canel’s sponsorship.
While none of the practice or qualifying sessions will be televised, those sessions will be free to attend for anyone in the Los Angeles area. For those who are planning on heading to the track this weekend, the NASCAR Mexico Series will be on track for 2 practice sessions on Saturday morning (10:15 AM and 11:45 AM), and their qualifying sessions will be at 1:30 PM. This is right before the Cup Series hits the track for practice and the heat races.
For those watching on TV, the NASCAR Mexico Series will be televised live on FS1 at 4:30 PM ET/1:30 PM PT. The race will be 150 laps, the same length as the Busch Light Clash happening later that evening. Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias will serve as the grand marshal for the race.
The NASCAR Mexico Series will be introduced to many for the first time this weekend. It will be fun to see a different series alongside the Cup Series this weekend.
