Bob Pockrass breaks down NASCAR's rulebook shakeup following a big Mexico race decision

In late August last year, NASCAR revealed plans to bring its Cup and Xfinity Series to Mexico, marking its first international race since 1958 when it visited Circuit Trois-Rivières in Quebec, Canada. Recently, famed FOX Sports journalist Bob Pockrass provided a significant update on the much-anticipated event at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City.

The latest update by NASCAR for its trip to Mexico, which Pockrass earlier reported was that the sanctioning body controversially decided to allow Cup drivers to also compete in the Xfinity Series race in Mexico City. (via X)

"NASCAR confirmed that full-time Cup drivers will be allowed to do the Xfinity race at Mexico City in 2025 (a couple of years ago at Chicago, NASCAR didn't let Cup drivers do the Xfinity race)." Pockrass wrote

During the 2023 NASCAR weekend at the Chicago Road Course, Cup Series drivers were prohibited from participating in the Xfinity Series race to prevent them from gaining a competitive edge by essentially using it as a practice session. However, this policy has shifted for the upcoming Mexico race.

After Bob Pockrass shared an update about the event, a fan questioned why Cup drivers would be allowed to compete in both races, unlike the Chicago event. Pockrass explained that the controversial decision was made to enhance the experience for local fans, giving them a rare opportunity to see their favorite Cup drivers in action twice over the weekend.

"My guess is that for the Mexican fans and as far away Mexico City is from any other Cup race, they wouldn’t mind some Cup names in that Xfinity race so those fans who follow the sport can see them twice." Pockrass wrote

Moreover, two-time Xfinity Series champion Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s team, JR Motorsports, recently announced that Trackhouse Racing's Cup drivers, Shane van Gisbergen and Ross Chastain, will compete in nine Xfinity Series races in 2025, driving JRM's #9 Chevrolet Camaro.

As part of this collaboration, van Gisbergen, who is set to embark on his rookie full-time Cup Series season, will take the wheel of the #9 machine for the Xfinity race at Mexico City, adding an exciting dimension to the inaugural NASCAR event at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

---

Shane van Gisbergen 'looking forward' to race twice in Mexico City following major NASCAR announcement

Trackhouse Racing driver Shane van Gisbergen recently made his feelings known on being allowed to race in both races at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City on the 14th and 15th of June this season for JRM. The Kiwi recently finished his rookie full-time season in the Xfinity Series, where he had an outstanding outing.

Following his announcement as JRM's part-time driver, van Gisbergen shared a post on X, expressing his excitement while also revealing the 4 tracks he would race in the Xfinity Series.

"Looking forward to doing some @NASCAR XFinity Races this year with @JRMotorsports in Mexico City, Chicago, Sonoma & Watkins Glen! 😀"

Famously known for his NASCAR debut win at the inaugural Cup Series race at the Chicago Road Course, Gisbergen, who holds the acumen for being a road course specialist, has the opportunity to make history on NASCAR's highly awaited international trip.