Berry, DEX Imaging Team Ready for Mexico City Road Course

Wood Brothers Racing and Josh Berry gear up for NASCAR’s first race in Mexico City at the Viva Mexico 250. The event at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez features a challenging 2.429-mile road course over 100 laps. Extended practice sessions are scheduled for teams, culminating in the race set for Sunday at 3 p.m. Eastern.

In a significant moment for Wood Brothers Racing, NASCAR is bracing for its inaugural race in Mexico this weekend. The NASCAR Cup Series, after 75 years of tradition, will compete in Mexico City, with Josh Berry and his No. 21 DEX Imaging Ford Mustang Dark Horse team leading the charge at the Viva Mexico 250. This race marks only the third points-paying event outside the U.S. for the Cup Series. It involves a demanding 100-lap challenge on the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, a road course stretching 2.429 miles and featuring 15 turns.

The historic circuit, established in 1959, is notably named after renowned racing figures, Ricardo and Pedro Rodríguez. Throughout the years, it has hosted various prominent motorsport events. Drivers can expect a mix of tight corners and long straightaways, providing an intriguing challenge. Berry seems to find the track’s layout appealing.

“It is definitely a pretty cool layout,” Berry commented. “It is going to be interesting. I think there are some passing zones.”

However, not everything will come easy. Berry anticipates difficulties related to track limits, especially in the tight sections of the course. “There’s definitely going to be issues with track limits in the esses, right? It’s just tight. You can just tell. To me, it is probably just a little bit worse than COTA,” he added, noting the potential lack of grass on both sides of the track. “Overall, I think it should probably be a good race. That is what we want to see.”

With the race at a new venue, NASCAR has scheduled an extended practice session for teams on Friday. The first segment runs for 50 minutes, starting at 1 p.m., followed by another 25-minute practice at 3 p.m. Teams will have a chance to fine-tune their setups before the event.

Qualifying will happen on Saturday at noon, leading up to the green flag for Sunday’s race, which takes drivers over 242 miles with a start time set for 3 p.m. (all times are in Eastern). Additionally, stage breaks are planned for Laps 20 and 45 to enhance race strategy and excitement.

Fans can catch all the action as it unfolds throughout the event weekend on Amazon Prime Video, ensuring access to this historic moment for NASCAR and racing enthusiasts alike.

The upcoming race at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez signifies a historic milestone for NASCAR and Wood Brothers Racing. With Josh Berry at the helm of the No. 21 DEX Imaging Ford Mustang Dark Horse, the Viva Mexico 250 promises challenges and excitement, marking the Cup Series’ first competitive venture into Mexico. Extended practice sessions and multi-car qualifying lead up to Sunday’s race, which offers a unique opportunity for teams and drivers on a demanding new track.

Original Source: speedwaydigest.com