NASCAR Paint Schemes of the Week: Viva Mexico 250 at Mexico City

It is NASCAR race week in Mexico City. Teams have brought a few special paint schemes for the international Cup Series race. This is the first points-paying race outside of the United States since 1958 and the first held outside of the U.S. or Canada.

With action starting on Friday, this is going to be a three-day event for fans at home and at the track. NASCAR is giving the Cup Series 75 minutes of practice this weekend to learn the new track. Rain could also be a factor, with wet-weather tires on hand in case of damp conditions.

Let’s get into the paint schemes that will be on the track. I honestly wish there was a little more local flavor with sponsors and designs, but these ten teams have put up good looks for the Viva Mexico 250.

Ross Chastain No. 1 Wendy’s Frosty Swirl Chevy

The Wendy’s Frosty Swirl Chevy could be the most colorful car on track this weekend. Ross Chastain is the Melon Man, but he’s the Frosty Man in Mexico this Sunday.

Chastain is a sneaky good road course racer. He is able to pull off great performances every now and then on these tracks. Could the new track at Mexico be his next surprise win? 9/10.

Chase Elliott No. 9 LLumar Chevy

A red and black scheme this weekend for Chase Elliott. LLumar is back on the No. 9 car, and this is one of my favorite designs from this sponsor.

Elliott is a talented road course racer. However, he has no wins in the Next Gen era on road course tracks. He looks to change that in Mexico. 8/10.

Ty Dillon No. 10 Ohio Logistics Chevy

Bringing Ohio to Mexico, Ty Dillon has had a sneaky good season. He’s done what he’s had to do for Kaulig Racing, and that could earn him another season in the NASCAR Cup Series for 2026.

Everyone will likely be focused on AJ Allmendinger, his teammate, as far as Kaulig goes in Mexico. Having a top-20 finish would be a major accomplishment for Dillon this weekend. 7/10.

Chris Buescher No. 17 Body Guard Ford

Now, here is a team and sponsor that decided to lean into the Mexico City theme. Chris Buescher is in a great No. 17 Body Guard Ford.

A really great win at Watkins Glen last season, Buescher will be a driver to watch. A nice touch with the skull and other minor details on this orange and black car. 8/10.

Erik Jones No. 43 Family Dollar Toyota

I really like these Family Dollar paint schemes from Legacy Motor Club. Erik Jones is rocking the black and red scheme for Mexico City.

Jones has had good speed lately. Road courses aren’t really his cup of tea, but maybe the wet weather will change things and give drivers like Jones the opportunity to overperform. 8/10.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. No. 47 Fun Pops Chevy

Now this is a bright and colorful paint scheme. Hyak Motorsports has done a good job of outkicking their coverage in 2025. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. just needs to stay away from Carson Hocevar.

Again, Stenhouse isn’t a road course driver. But he might be able to make something happen with the unpredictability of the Mexico City weekend. 8/10.

Cody Ware No. 51 Arrowhead Brass Ford

This might be my favorite paint scheme this weekend. Arrowhead Brass is on the No. 51 of Cody Ware for Mexico City. A really great-looking Ford.

The green with the gold/brass and white really pops. A clean car from front to back. 9.5/10.

Ryan Preece No. 60 Kroger/Colgate Ford

A big, bright red car. Ryan Preece is hoping to overachieve this weekend for RFK Racing. Kroger and Colgate share the No. 60 car this weekend.

Preece is on the verge of breaking through to a win. I do not think it will happen in Mexico. 9/10.

Carson Hocevar No. 77 Totalplay Chevy

A purple race car is always going to be on my list. The No. 77 is looking colorful for this weekend in Mexico City. Carson Hocevar has impressed on the larger ovals, but can he show up on the road course this weekend?

At Watkins Glen, Hocevar showed off with a P3 finish at Watkins Glen last season. Will he have some tricks up his sleeve for Mexico? 8/10.

Daniel Suárez No. 99 Telcel Chevy

Telcel is a recognizable sponsor for the Mexican race fans. Daniel Suárez has the most pressure on his shoulders for the Cup Series race.

We know Suárez can win on the road courses. But can he get it done in what might be the biggest race of his career on a personal level? We will see, but this design is pretty classic, and looks great on the 99. 8.5/10.