Jeff Gordon, a NASCAR Hall of Famer and current vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, has raised serious concerns over the scheduling of the 2025 Mexico City race. Despite the event drawing a massive crowd of 85,000 fans and featuring an impressive win by Shane Van Gisbergen, Gordon emphasized that the logistical complications make it an unsustainable model for the future. Teams experienced significant delays, including a plane grounding that left many arriving just one day before the race. Speaking with ESPN on June 16, Gordon called the chaos unacceptable, particularly given the already grueling nature of NASCAR’s mid-season stretch.
Gordon specifically criticized the back-to-back scheduling of races in Michigan, Mexico City, and Pocono, warning it pushes teams to the brink. “This kind of travel mess can’t happen again,” he stated firmly. The intense travel demands risk crew fatigue, mechanical strain, and diminished on-track performance—all of which could have long-term effects on teams’ playoff readiness.
While the Mexico City event showcased NASCAR’s growing international appeal, Gordon argued that mid-season international races, without proper logistical planning, do more harm than good. His comments were echoed by fans and analysts alike, many of whom took to social media to express concern over the toll such scheduling takes on teams.
Gordon’s remarks serve as a call to action for NASCAR leadership to rethink the balance between global expansion and operational sustainability. Without improvements, he warns, the integrity and performance of the sport could be compromised.
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