Travel issues for teams leaving the Charlotte area have forced NASCAR officials to alter the on-track weekend schedule in Mexico City.

MEXICO CITY — Denny Hamlin will miss Sunday’s Cup race at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez to remain in the United States with his family after the birth of his son Wednesday. Ryan Truex, who is Joe Gibbs Racing’s reserve driver, will drive the No. 11 car this weekend in Hamlin’s absence.

The throaty roar of NASCAR Cup Series engines will reverberate through the Valley of Mexico this weekend, marking a bold international gambit for America's beloved motorsport as it races beyond its traditional borders.

Denny Hamlin will continue to chase for a NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2025 after he was granted a Playoff Waiver by NASCAR on Friday. Hamlin will not compete in this weekend's Viva Mexico 250 following the birth of his third child on Wednesday.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged U.S. officials on Friday not to target individuals attending a Gold Cup soccer match in Los Angeles between Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

Ellis shared photos of firetrucks greeting the plane as they returned to the gate, and firemen standing by as passengers deboarded. Longtime NASCAR reporter Matt Weaver says that the pilot reported blowing an engine, possibly due to a bird strike, during takeoff:

SportsLine simulated the 2025 Viva Mexico 250 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez 10,000 times. Use its projected leaderboard for NASCAR prop picks at sites like PrizePicks, DraftKings and FanDuel.

Sunday's Viva Mexico 250 in Mexico City means a few road-course standouts should be antsy to make the long trip south and claim a playoff berth. NASCAR