NASCAR News: NASCAR won’t return to Mexico City in 2026

NASCAR’s premier Cup Series will not return to Mexico City next year, leaving a spot on its 2026 schedule that is expected to be filled by the addition of a race at Chicagoland Speedway, multiple sources briefed on the league’s plans told The Athletic.

Not going back to Mexico City leaves NASCAR without an international Cup race in 2026, as the logistics of getting the series to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit in Mexico’s capital, along with finding a date that works for NASCAR, the teams and the track, proved challenging. [Editor’s Note:  Don’t be silly – attendance was poor and the race lost money – that is why no return. When in doubt, follow the money]

In June, Mexico City became the site of the first Cup international points since 1958. But that date is unavailable next year as Mexico City hosts the FIFA Men’s World Cup soccer tournament, with five matches scheduled from June 11 to July 5. Both sides looked at a spring date — likely around the traditional Easter off weekend to give teams additional time to manage the travel — and even explored a possible NASCAR-IndyCar doubleheader before NASCAR decided to turn its attention to finding a date for Mexico City on the 2027 schedule.

Needing a replacement for Mexico City on its 38-race schedule (36 points races plus two exhibitions), NASCAR is now solidifying plans to return to Chicagoland. The 1.5-mile oval in Joliet, Ill., about 50 miles from downtown Chicago, is owned by NASCAR.  The Athletic