Shane van Gisbergen claimed victory at the inaugural Viva Mexico 250 with a commanding 16+ seconds ahead of Christopher Bell, securing a berth in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.
The race held at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City was marked by a mixture of strategic battles, weather challenges, and intense competition among some of NASCAR’s top drivers.
An early pop-up rain shower on the first lap immediately shuffled the deck, favoring van Gisbergen’s expertise on wet surfaces—a skill he had demonstrated previously at Chicago under monsoon-like conditions.
The Viva Mexico 250 featured six caution periods, but the final 33 laps ran uninterrupted, allowing van Gisbergen to capitalize on his lead and maintain a steady pace to the finish.
The initial laps saw a flurry of action as drivers struggled for grip and the first major incident happened on lap 7, when a multi-car crash collected several contenders including Kyle Busch and three-time 2025 NASCAR Cup Series winner Kyle Larson.
Both drivers would ultimately finish deep in the field with Busch classified 37th and Larson 36th, their races effectively ruined by the early chaos.
Ryan Preece capitalized on the early mayhem and changing track conditions to win Stage 1, demonstrating both car control and strategic acumen.
Full NASCAR Viva Mexico 250 Race Results
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The race’s first segment was punctuated by six caution periods over 16 laps as drivers adapted to the slippery surface and the challenges of racing at high altitude, which saps engine power and tests the limits of both man and machine.
As the track dried and the field settled into a rhythm, Ty Gibbs emerged as a formidable challenger, leading 27 laps—the second-most on the day—and engaging in a spirited duel with van Gisbergen and other frontrunners.
The lead changed hands 14 times among eight different drivers, underscoring the competitive depth of the field and the strategic complexity of road course racing, where pit stop timing, tire management, and fuel strategy are as critical as outright speed.
Shane van Gisbergen, however, was relentless. His mastery of the circuit and ability to adapt to evolving conditions became increasingly apparent as the race progressed.
The seasoned Australian driver reclaimed the lead multiple times, including a decisive stretch from lap 69 to the checkered flag, ultimately leading 60 of the 100 laps—by far the most of any driver.
His pace was unmatched in the closing stages and he steadily pulled away from the competition, crossing the finish line with a commanding margin of 16.567 seconds over his nearest rival Christopher Bell.
Hendrick Motorsports duo Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman secured third and fourth places respectively, while Michael McDowell rounded out the top five in his Spire Motorsports machine.
Other drivers who made huge strides at the Viva Mexico 250 included John Hunter Nemechek, Chase Briscoe, Cole Custer, William Byron, and Chris Buescher, who completed the top ten.
Byron, who entered the race as the Cup Series points leader, managed to maintain a solid performance finishing ninth and retaining his lead in the championship standings.
Ty Gibbs finished 11th after a mid-race caution disrupted his momentum. The JGR stalwart had opted to stay out longer on the track during a green-flag run, which ultimately left him vulnerable when the caution came out.
After the restart on lap 69, Gibbs struggled to maintain his position and gradually fell back.
Meanwhile, Mexico City Xfinity Series race winner Daniel Suarez could not replicate Saturday’s success in the Cup race, fading to 19th.
Looking ahead, the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series campaign will continue at Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania with The Great American Getaway 400 on June 22.
The momentum from Mexico City will surely influence the playoff picture, especially with van Gisbergen’s sudden surge into the NASCAR Cup Series playoff standings from 33rd place before the race to ninth after his victory.
