The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer and Associated Press have reported NASCAR will announce a NASCAR Busch Series race for 2005 in Mexico City. Reports are a road course event at the 2.786-kilometer Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City.
Here is what some competitors had to say:
JAY ROBINSON, Owner, Jay Robinson Racing (#49 Advil Ford; #39 Yahoo! Ford):
“On the surface, I think this is a good step forward for our sport, and especially for the NASCAR Busch Series. Every team is looking to companies to become more involved in our sport, and enabling us to talk with companies which have international sales as one of their priorities. If we are going international, Mexico and Canada are the obvious places to go because we can drive there.
“Now, this kind of race is going to add more travel, more travel time and more expense to the race teams. That’s something I don’t think NASCAR is going to take lightly. Working together, we can make this work logistically and make it work financially for the race teams.
TRAVIS GEISLER, Driver, #36 National City Bank/DCT Motorsports Chevrolet:
“My only concern is the expense of getting the teams and equipment to Mexico and back, and making the schedule work so it makes sense. It’s going to be difficult for some teams.
“Now I don’t think it is a bad thing for the sport in general. This will only help expand our audience, which is good for everyone. The more people we bring in, the better it is for us all. And people tend to really like what they see with NASCAR racing. For many, it will be one of their first chances to see stock cars.”
TINA GORDON, Driver, #39 Yahoo! Ford:
“My sponsor is worldwide, so taking the series to a new country is a pretty big deal. I’m really excited we will be able to open up to millions of people in another country, and to give them an opportunity to not only see some great racing but an opportunity to see Yahoo! and Vasarette and Microtel and our other sponsors. It works for the fans, it works for the race teams and it works for the sponsors.
“Expenses are going to be a major factor, and it’s going to be expensive to do. But I am sure NASCAR is doing everything they can to make sure it’s a worthwhile trip for the teams and the track.”
