The 2025 Viva México 250 is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing races of the 2025 NASCAR season. As the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez on Sunday, June 15, the stakes are high as drivers look to boost their playoff hopes. Here, we make our Viva Mexico 250 prediction ahead of Sunday’s race.
Our Viva México 250 Pick
Pick: Christopher Bell (+700)
Confidence: ★★★★☆
Viva México 250 Preview
NASCAR returns to Mexico City for the first Cup Series points race outside the United States since 1958. On the iconic 2.429‑mile, 15‑turn road course at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, 100 laps (241.7 miles) will challenge drivers with high altitude, tight corners, and a layout more familiar to Formula 1 fans. This is the first Cup event at the circuit since it last hosted an Xfinity race in 2008. The significance for the sport and local spectators can’t be overstated, as the race marks a key step in NASCAR’s international expansion and will feature full field action on Sunday following Xfinity’s Saturday opener.
Christopher Bell arrives in top form. After a slow start at Daytona, he rebounded with three consecutive wins in Atlanta, COTA, and Phoenix. Bell’s aggressive road-course driving, combined with spot-on strategy, has made him one of the men to bet on at Mexico.
Of course, no road course discussion is complete without talking about Shane Van Gisbergen. SVG is the favorite in the betting markets to win this race and is a constant threat on these types of courses. However, bettors should keep in mind that he has not won a NASCAR Cup Series race since 2023 in Chicago.
Denny Hamlin remains a strong contender, fresh off victory at Michigan. Kyle Larson and William Byron, both consistent on various tracks, also present temptation in the betting pools. But the combination of altitude, turns, and Mexico City’s unique atmosphere favors a driver with road-course prowess.
Viva México 250 Track Info
- Location: Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico City
- Course: 2.429‑mile permanent road course with 15 turns
- Elevation: Around 7,500 feet, thinner air impacts engine performance and grip
- Schedule: 20‑lap Stage 1, 45‑lap Stage 2, 35‑lap final stage, broadcast on Prime Video at 7 PM ET
- Practice/Qualifying: Two Cup sessions on Friday, qualifying at noon ET Saturday
This circuit demands precision, with its long braking zones, sharp hairpins, sweeping curves, and elevation shifts. Teams must adjust gear ratios and aerodynamics to compensate for Mexico City’s altitude. Pit strategy will be vital, as fuel mileage and tire wear diverge from those at sea level.
Betting Odds
As of now, win odds for the Mexico City race feature these five racers as the favorites:
- Shane van Gisbergen: 330
- Christopher Bell: +700
- William Byron: +800
- Tyler Reddick: +800
- Kyle Larson: +800
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Viva México 250 Prediction
Here’s why Christopher Bell is our strongest candidate:
- Road‑Course Mastery: Bell has excelled at COTA other technical road venues similar to Mexico City.
- Momentum & Confidence: He’s secured three wins in 2025, demonstrating both speed and composure.
- Altitude Adaptation: His team has shown adaptability in varied conditions, and Mexico’s altitude levels the field technologically and plays to Bell’s strategic edge.
- Team Strength: Toyota/Trackhouse Racing has shown pit efficiency and setup versatility, essential at Hermanos Rodríguez.
Potential challengers:
- Denny Hamlin: The Michigan winner is in top shape, though not a specialist in road formats.
- Shane van Gisbergen: The road course master will be in contention once again on Sunday.
- Kyle Larson: Strong in various venues, but road courses haven’t been his strongest suit so far this season.
- William Byron: Consistent and fast, but prone to missteps in technical races.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Christopher Bell’s recent form, road track proficiency, and team performance position him as the key figure to watch in this race. With odds reflecting his potential in this setting, now’s the time to lock in value on Bell. Expect him to contend strongly from start to finish, potentially delivering a winning return for those who backed him early.
