Millionaire Ken Schrader opines NASCAR's international expansion is a financial burden on teams

Former NASCAR driver Ken Schrader has voiced his disagreement with NASCAR's international expansion next season. NASCAR is scheduled to organize a Cup Series race in Mexico in 2025.

Earlier in 2024, NASCAR announced that its Cup Series will include a historic race in Mexico City in 2025, marking the division’s first international points event in its modern history. The race is scheduled for June 15, 2025, at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, with the NASCAR Xfinity Series running a companion event the day before.

Since the announcement, divided views have come on the topic. While the move has been praised by some for potentially broadening the sport’s global appeal, former Cup Series driver Ken Schrader has taken a critical stance. In a recent interview with Kenny Wallace, Schrader, who is worth $25 million (according to Celebrity Net Worth), said:

"It's gonna be a hike. I don't know exactly how we're gonna do all the trucks and trailers, if they're gonna convoy them down there or what they're gonna do."

Voicing concerns about the financial strain it could impose on teams, Ken Schrader added:

"Our sport is money driven. I wouldn't be thrilled, you know, if I had to go. I wouldn't be thrilled about it. Fly down, run the race, fly back—it doesn’t make a whole lot of difference where you go. But it is gonna be costly for the teams."

Kenny Wallace, however, had a different take on this issue as he felt it could be a welcome change.

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Kenny Wallace contradicts Ken Schrader's opinion on NASCAR in Mexico

Ken Schrader (L) and Kenny Wallace (R) during the Lunch with Legends for the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 - Source: Getty

Wallace, who raced twice at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez during his career in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, disagreed with Ken Schrader’s concerns. Reflecting on his experience, Wallace said during the same interview:

"I've raced at Hermano Rodriguez with the Xfinity Series two times. I had a wonderful time, and I mean they packed that place. It was fun. They celebrate down there with horns and whistles and you'd be coming to green flag and they love it. So, I think it's gonna be a good time."

It is worth noting that NASCAR has dropped one of the two races that were hosted by Richmond Raceway annually in place of the race in Mexico.

The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, located in Mexico’s capital, is a track steeped in history. Named after racing legends Ricardo and Pedro Rodríguez, the circuit opened in 1959 and has hosted a range of motorsport events, including eight Formula 1 grands prix since its remodeling in 2015.

Since its inception in 2004, NASCAR has overseen the NASCAR México Series, with the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez hosting this year’s season finale. Rúben Garcia Jr. secured a victory in the final race, earning his fifth championship title in the series.