NASCAR Monday Mash-Up: Racing fiesta in Mexico City

Due to the travel woes, Trackhouse Racing had a tough time on Friday. They were working with a “skeleton crew.”

Only three to four crew members per car for Trackhouse on Friday in practice. Connor Zilisch had to spot for Ross Chastain. It was an all-hands-on-deck situation.

Denny Hamlin stays home after birth of son, Ryan Truex subs in

We did not see Denny Hamlin this weekend. Hamlin’s fiancée Jordan Fish gave birth to the couple’s third child, their first son.

Hamlin decided that he was best served at home with his family. Ryan Truex subbed in for Hamlin for the weekend, his first Cup start in 11 years.

Mexico City altitude makes changes to NASCAR Cup cars

In practice, the NASCAR Cup Series drivers realized quickly that the altitude was playing tricks on their cars. Engines were heating up quickly, and brakes were not cooling down like they normally would.

The thin air at elevation proved challenging for the teams. But most managed the issues just fine.

Daniel Suárez wrecks in Xfinity Series qualifying

Making his first lap in qualifying, Daniel Suárez wrecked in Turn 11 outside of the stadium. That was in the Xfinity Series car for JR Motorsports.

Suárez had to go to a backup car. He also started last in the Xfinity Series race in his home country of Mexico.

Suárez wins from last to first in Mexico City Xfinity race

Despite starting dead last in a backup, Suárez had no problem making it to the front of the Xfinity Series field. He was flying past cars on restarts and taking all he could get when he could get it.

Suárez had a storybook moment. He won the Xfinity Series race after a late three-wide situation with Ty Gibbs and Connor Zilisch opened the door for him. It was a very popular win.

Kyle Larson addresses ‘greatest driver’ moniker

Before the NASCAR Cup Series hit the track on Sunday, Kyle Larson was asked once again about the title of “greatest driver.” The Hendrick Motorsports driver shook it off once again.

Larson doesn’t consider himself the best. He also noted he has a lot of racing ahead of him in his career. So, we’ll see if he can eventually live up to the title and maybe convince himself.

Shane van Gisbergen gaps the field to win NASCAR Cup race in Mexico City

In an impressive showing, Shane van Gisbergen had a fantastic race. He started on the pole, won a stage, survived the rain early, and won this race by 16.5 seconds. You can’t ask for better than that.

Here’s the thing, SVG was told to back off for most of the final stage. If he had pushed the limits the whole time, and his car held up, he could have made this even more embarrassing for the rest of the field.

Ricky Stenhouse is going to beat Carson Hocevar’s ass

Another week and another Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Carson Hocevar moment. This time, Stenhouse stuck his head into the 77 car after the race finished and issued a threat.

The Hyak Motorsports driver claims that he is going to get physical with Hocevar when they get back to the states. All eyes will be on these two at Pocono.