CONCORD, N.C. - For the first time in recent memory, the NASCAR Cup Series will go international as stock car racing's premier touring series travels to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City.
While many attribute the 1998 race in Motegi, Japan as the last time the Cup Series ventured beyond the borders of the United States, the most recent points paying international event dates all the way back to 1958 in Toronto, Canada at the now demolished Canadian National Exhibition Stadium. This means that the Cup Series has not seen a points-paying event outside the United States in over 50 years.
That's all about to change with Sunday's race.
With the course being over 7,000 feet above sea level, thin air pressure is going to have a major effect on the car's engines and tires. The tight 14-turn track will create a lot of hurdles for the teams to navigate through as they try and tackle this new behemoth.
The Xfinity Series has more knowledge about the modified 2.417-mile circuit, but much has changed since the last time the lower division turned laps at the track in the 2008 season, namely the cars aero package and race format.
To compensate for the many curveballs ahead of the teams, NASCAR is allowing both touring series two practice sessions on Friday, a rare occurrence in modern regulations.
With the intensity of the regular season's latter half beginning to ramp up, anything can happen, especially on a track with a lot of unknowns.
Make sure to check out the full schedule below!
RELATED: Cup Series race results from Michigan International Speedway
Where is NASCAR racing this weekend?
NASCAR will race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City this weekend.
What time is the NASCAR race?
(All times listed in eastern time)
Friday, June 13
- 11 a.m. - México Series practice and qualifying, no TV
- 1:05 p.m. - Cup Series practice, Prime Video
- 2:05 - Xfinity practice, CW
- 3 - Cup Series practice, Prime Video
- 3:30 - Xfinity practice, CW
- 4:30 - México Series race one, no TV
Saturday, June 14
- 10:30 a.m. - Xfinity Series qualifying, CW
- Noon - Cup Series qualifying, Prime Video
- 1:45 p.m.- México Series race two, no TV
- 4:30 - Xfinity Series race, CW
Sunday, June 15
- 3 p.m. - Cup Series race, Prime Video