The NASCAR Cup Series will reach a significant milestone on Sunday with the inaugural 2025 Viva Mexico 250 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City. This marks the first points race in NASCAR’s top tier held outside the United States, showcasing the sport’s commitment to expanding its global footprint.
Notably, New Zealand driver Shane Van Gisbergen, who gained attention by winning the 2023 Chicago Street Race during his debut in the Cup Series, has transitioned to a full-time competitor and is currently the favorite to win the upcoming race at +330 odds. He is closely followed by notable drivers such as Christopher Bell at +700, Tyler Reddick at +800, Kyle Larson at +800, and William Byron at +800.
The race is set to commence at 3 p.m. ET, covering 100 laps on a challenging 17-turn, 2.674-mile road course. Before making picks or DFS lineups for the event, enthusiasts are encouraged to consult predictions from SportsLine’s predictive model, which leverages extensive data to forecast race outcomes.
In building excitement around the event, the model previously achieved impressive results, including correctly predicting wins for Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, and Christopher Bell, among others. Notably, it has successfully identified 22 race winners since 2021, marking its authority in NASCAR predictions.
This year, the model has singled out Michael McDowell as a longshot worth watching with +2200 odds. McDowell, a seasoned driver in his 18th season, has demonstrated skill in road racing, with significant achievements including a victory at the 2021 Daytona 500 and a solid performance earlier this season in Austin.
Another noteworthy mention is Daniel Suarez, the only Mexican driver in the race, who has had a mixed 2025 season. With odds of +1400, Suarez is considered a crowd favorite and is expected to perform well due to his strong history on road courses, making him a compelling pick for those looking to make solid bets.
With the potential for thrilling races in Mexico City, fans and bettors alike are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting event that could further elevate global interest in NASCAR racing.
Overall, the inaugural Viva Mexico 250 presents an exciting opportunity for American racing fans to explore a new dynamic on an international stage, embracing the diverse elements that racing offers.