The history of professional motorsport is often written on permanent circuits and dedicated speedways, but this weekend, the narrative shifts to the commercial tarmac of the Tulum International Airport. The NASCAR Mexico Series Tulum competition is set to inaugurate the “Tulum 100,” a high-stakes competition that transforms federal infrastructure into a 600-meter laboratory of speed, marking the first time in the series’ history that a point-scoring race will be held outside a traditional autodrome.
This third date of the 2026 season represents more than a logistical feat. It is a strategic synthesis of national pride and athletic excellence, where the roar of stock car engines will compete with the turbines of the Mexican Air Force. For the drivers, the challenge is absolute: a compact, temporary oval constructed with aviation-grade materials, designed to offer 60 minutes of uninterrupted, high-intensity action.
NASCAR Mexico Series Tulum and the Duel for the All-Time Crown
At the center of the sporting drama is a statistical collision that could define an era. Rubén García Jr., the five-time champion and current leader of the 2026 standings, arrives in Tulum after securing the first two victories of the calendar. These wins have elevated his career total to 29, placing him as the winningest driver in the history of the NASCAR México Series.
However, his dominance is being shadowed by Rubén Rovelo, whose 28 career victories place him within striking distance of the all-time record. The “Tulum 100” offers Rovelo a unique opportunity to draw level on a track where no historical data exists to favor the leader. In the short, 600-meter oval, where track position is everything and the margin for error is measured in millimeters, the rivalry between the two titans of Mexican racing will be tested under unprecedented pressure.
This battle for the crown occurs as the series moves into the critical phase of the “Chase,” the playoff system that determines the ultimate champion. With only 10 tickets available for the post-season, every point earned on the Tulum tarmac is a vital investment in championship security.
A Global Milestone for Women in Racing
While the records of veteran champions command the headlines, the “Tulum 100” also serves as the backdrop for a historic milestone in global motorsport. For the first time in the history of any NASCAR-sanctioned championship worldwide, three women will compete simultaneously on the grid. Regina Sirvent, Alexandra Mohnhaupt, and Majo Rodríguez represent a generational shift that places the Mexican series at the forefront of gender representation in professional racing.
Regina Sirvent, who has already made history as the first woman to win a race in the Trucks México Series, continues her ascent in the premier category. She is joined by Alexandra Mohnhaupt, whose background in international open-wheel racing brings a refined technical approach to the stock car field, and Majo Rodríguez, a versatile driver with deep roots in heavy-vehicle and truck racing. Their presence on the grid is not a symbolic inclusion but a competitive reality, as they contend for positions in a field that remains one of the most physical and demanding in the sport.
Engineering the Airport Oval
The technical execution of the “Tulum 100” is an achievement in itself. Building a 600-meter oval within the secure perimeter of an active international airport required a level of coordination rarely seen in regional sport. The track was constructed using materials that adhere to strict NASCAR safety regulations, ensuring protection for both the pilots and the fans without compromising the integrity of the airport’s operational surfaces.
The race duration is set at 60 minutes, a format designed to maximize the intensity of the competition. Given the short length of the oval, the NASCAR México and Challenge Series will hold separate competitions, as the dimensions of the track do not allow for a shared grid. This separation promises two “epic, face-to-face battles” where drafting and mechanical grip will be the primary variables for success.
The temporary nature of the circuit adds a layer of unpredictability. Drivers often rely on the nuances of a track’s surface, including bumps, cracks, and grip levels, that take years to master. In Tulum, everyone starts from zero. The ability of crew chiefs to adapt their setups during the Saturday practices will likely determine the winner of the Sunday checkered flag.
The Synergy of the Tulum Air Show
The “Tulum 100” is the centerpiece of the broader Tulum Air Show, an event that integrates professional racing with the prestige of the Mexican Air Force. Throughout the weekend of April 25 and 26, attendees will witness a unique display of power and precision, as the Fuerza Aérea Mexicana performs aerial exhibitions that mirror the high-speed maneuvers on the track.
This integration reflects a broader vision for the Tulum International Airport, positioning it not only as a transportation hub but as a versatile venue for world-class events. The presence of military aviation alongside the NASCAR series underscores the facility’s role in promoting tourism and economic development in the southern Caribbean.
Weekend Schedule and Transmission
The activity at the airport begins on Saturday with the final practice sessions and the critical qualifying duels, where track position for Sunday will be decided.
- Saturday, April 25
- 16:35 – 17:00: Final Practice, Challenge Series (CH)
- 17:10 – 17:35: Final Practice, NASCAR México (NM)
- 20:00 – 20:50: Qualifying Duels, Challenge Series (CH)
- 21:00 – 21:50: Qualifying Duels, NASCAR México (NM)
- Sunday, April 26
- 18:30: “Tulum 100” NASCAR México Race (60 minutes)
- 20:30: “Tulum 100” Challenge Series Race (60 minutes)
For those unable to attend the airport in person, the race will be broadcast live through several platforms, including NASCAR México Series’ Facebook and YouTube channels, Escudería Telmex, Claro Sports, FOX One, FOX, and Tubi.
The "Tulum 100" is destined to be more than a footnote in the history books of Mexican racing. It is a demonstration of how infrastructure can serve as a catalyst for sport, and how athletes can break barriers, both statistical and social, in the most unexpected of settings. As the green flag drops this Sunday at 18:30, all eyes will be on the Tulum tarmac, where the future of NASCAR México prepares for its most ambitious landing yet.
Would you attend a NASCAR race on an active airport tarmac, or do you prefer the atmosphere of a traditional autodrome? Join the conversation and share your perspective with us on Instagram and Facebook at @thetulumtimes .