NASCAR Xfinity Series: New Provisionals Ahead of First Race in Mexico City in 17 Years

NASCAR is making history once again by hosting its first race south of the border. That’s right, the Xfinity Series is preparing to make its way to Mexico’s premier racing circuit, the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, next month. It’s an exciting time not only for the NASCAR franchise, as it’s the first time since 2008 that an Xfinity Series race has been hosted there. However, the rules may differ from what fans are accustomed to when attending races in the United States.

NASCAR announced early Tuesday that it plans to add two additional international provisionals tailored explicitly to the Chilango 150 set for June 14. This means that instead of the 38-car limit required by U.S. tracks, 40 cars must be present on the field at Hermanos Rodriguez. That is, of course, stringent on how well drivers qualify on June 13, but could this be the start of something bigger in the making?

 Imposed NASCAR Xfinity Provisionals

According to the NASCAR Rule Book, starting positions for the Chilango 150 in the Xfinity Series are subject to Section 7.9. The rule determines eligibility for starting grid positions and requires drivers to start based on their qualifying results. This also guarantees spots to chartered entries, but there’s a catch. Entrants who qualify at P39 or P40 will not be eligible to win cash prizes or receive playoff points, regardless of their final position.

Mike Forde, Managing Director of Racing Communications, spoke about the expectations of Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.He said that he believes the sanctioning body expects 39 teams to participate in the Chilango 150. Forde also hopes that with the new provisionals, more teams will be willing to cross the border for the first time in 17 years.

Provisional Incentives

Xfinity Managing Director Eric Peterson has also provided the incentive of allowing teams to start even if they have not qualified, giving all entrants a fair chance to compete. Yet, the same rules still apply to prize money eligibility and playoff points, but comparable to NASCAR’s Open Exempt Provisional.

The new provisional introduced in the off-season was used at the start of the season when Trackhouse Racing used it to field Helio Castroneves despite not qualifying to pilot the No. 91. In Lemmons’ terms, it’s a guaranteed spot. So, it’s going to be quite an interesting site to behold on June 14th when NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers take on the 2.674-mile track situated 2 kilometers above sea level. 

Final Thoughts

The NASCAR Xfinity Series is preparing to head to Mexico City for the Chilango 150 at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez for the first time in 17 years. It’s exciting to think that in just a couple of short weeks, drivers will be coursing around the iconic track and getting a taste of what it’s like to race internationally.

Therefore, it will be interesting to see how the competition holds up, and perhaps more drivers will be added to the winners’ list, aside from veteran drivers like Martin Truex Jr., Kyle Busch, and Denny Hamlin. Or will the competition be tighter since it’s an all-inclusive race fielding drivers regardless of whether they qualify or not?