NASCAR insider weighs possibility of Mexico City race returning in 2026

The 2026 Cup Series schedule is starting to come together. Could we see NASCAR return to Mexico City for next season? Right now, there are a few question marks on the schedule. We are getting very close to seeing the official dates in the coming weeks or months.

Reports have come out about the Chicago Street Race, San Diego, and now, Mexico City. Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic recently gave an update on the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series schedule from the information that he has.

According to Bianchi, Mexico City is up in the air. Both sides, NASCAR and the city and track organizers, want this race to continue. However, there are a few barriers and hurdles that need to be cleared first.

This season, the NASCAR race in Mexico City was not easy on the teams. Hauler drivers faced a hell of a trip. Teams were faced with tough logistics and travel pains. So, a future race will have to address those issues.

“The best option, multiple sources said, would be to shift Mexico City to either the week before or after Easter — the lone weekend next year between Daytona and the Homestead finale that Cup isn’t expected to be racing,” Bianchi reports.

“Finding a spring date on NASCAR’s schedule, however, is challenging, as several tracks traditionally hold races at that time of year. NASCAR also needs a solution that makes sense logistically and reduces the burden on hauler drivers, who had to travel from outside Detroit to Mexico City in just a few days.”

Bianchi goes on to say that it is more than likely that the Mexico City race returns in 2027 instead of a repeat in 2026. By then, NASCAR should have a better, more functional plan in place.

NASCAR returning to Mexico City likely but uncertain

Here’s the issue with NASCAR going back to Mexico City – space. There are many ideas that NASCAR wants to follow through with. Right now, it looks like San Diego is going to for sure be on the 2026 schedule. But Chicago could return as well and then you start talking about seven road/street course races on the schedule.

Drivers and fans alike have talked recently about road courses. Are there too many? Or is it the fatigue of having so many so close together on the schedule?

COTA, Sonoma, Mexico City, San Diego, Chicago, Watkins Glen, and the Roval. Those are all potential races that could be on the 2026 schedule. Will having two street races be good or bad for the schedule? There are a lot of questions and options to weigh.