Earlier on Thursday, it was reported that a chartered plane carrying several members of the NASCAR industry was grounded after an engine issue, causing major delays and forcing them to find an alternative path to Mexico City. That, along with other air travel challenges and delays, have forced NASCAR to adjust its schedule for the race weekend ahead.
“Due to two aircraft issues that grounded multiple race teams in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, NASCAR has adjusted the on-track schedule for this weekend’s activities at Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez,” a statement from the sanctioning body read.
As a result, NASCAR officials have chosen to delay the planned Cup Series practice session, rescheduling them for later in the afternoon. They have also pushed all NASCAR Xfinity Series practice sessions from Friday to Saturday. Additionally, the first of two NASCAR Mexico Series races will now run a few hours earlier on Friday.
The Xfinity Series will lose some practice time as a result with just one 50-minute session on Saturday morning, right before qualifying. There are other slight adjustments as well, but Cup teams will not lose any practice.
The full updated schedule (EST.):
Friday, June 13th
1:30pm EST — NASCAR Mexico Series race #1
4:05pm EST — NASCAR Cup practice #1
5:30pm EST — NASCAR Cup practice #2
Saturday, June 14th
11:05am EST — NASCAR Xfinity Series practice
12:10pm EST — NASCAR Xfinity Series qualifying
2:05pm EST — NASCAR Cup Series qualifying
7pm EST — NASCAR Mexico Series race #2
Sunday’s schedule remains unchanged. The NASCAR Cup race will still take place at 3pm EST. with the green flag planned for 3:23pm EST. Denny Hamlin will need a playoff waiver after choosing not to take part in the event as he stays with his family following the birth of his son.
Thankfully, there were no major issues for the 132 haulers and transport vehicles that travelled directly from Michigan International Speedway to Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez this week in another massive undertaking for the sport.
NASCAR haulers
Photo by: James Gilbert / Getty Images
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