NASCAR throws caution on Lap 1 for rain, makes decision on Mexico City Cup race

NASCAR has gotten a lot better at dealing with rain lately. Between races at Chicago and COTA being plagued by rain or even the use of wet-weather tires on short tracks in the last two seasons, the technology has come a long way. Goodyear and NASCAR have worked hard to make it happen.

It isn’t easy to make these heavy stock cars race on damp tracks. Even with treaded tires made for the rain. So, whenever we can get to racing sooner and with fewer caution laps, the better.

You have to think this plays into Shane van Gisbergen’s hands today. He won at Chicago in 2023 in the rain. Early on, it has been SVG and Ty Gibbs. And Ty Gibbs is pretty far behind. We will see if the rain causes more chaos than this track already had in store for this NASCAR field.

Kyle Busch takes out multiple cars early at Mexico City

Even with the wet-weather tires, this track is slick and slippery. Kyle Busch found out the hard way on Lap 7. Going into Turn 1, he just couldn’t get his car to brake quick enough and paid the price. Other drivers paid the price, too.

Kyle Larson and Kyle Busch went behind the wall to the garage area to repair their cars. They will not be a factor for the rest of the day. However, drivers like AJ Allmendinger, Chase Briscoe, and Zane Smith were able to recover. Allmendinger could have something up his sleeve for the end of this race if his car stays intact.

NASCAR is racing in Mexico City and getting the full experience. Those fans are braving the weather to watch the Cup Series zip around this track. As the track dries out and the grip levels change, pit strategy and when teams switch back to slicks will be very important.