Pole Position Details
- SVG topped Friday’s Busch Light Pole Qualifying at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, locking in the prime starting spot for Sunday’s Viva Mexico 250 (jayski.com, autoaction.com.au).
- Mexico City marks the first-ever NASCAR Cup points race outside the U.S., and the 36‑year‑old ex–three-time Supercars champ thrived on this unexpected, unfamiliar circuit
Why This Pole Matters
- Road Course King – SVG made headlines by winning the 2023 Chicago Street Race in his NASCAR debut. Road circuits like Mexico City play to his strengths.
- Altitude Challenge – Racing at 2,229 m elevation adds complexity, but it’s exactly the kind of technical setup where SVG shines.
- Confidence on the Rise – His qualifying pace has improved in recent weeks, including solid runs on ovals — topping practice and securing top-20 finishes.
SVG’s Quotes
- “These are the types of tracks I’m good at — we should be up front”.
- On adapting to the altitude and course: “It will be interesting… we should be up front” .
Race Outlook
- The 250 km road-race format plays into SVG’s core strengths with right‑hand turns, unlike his recent oval-heavy schedule .
- A victory here could lock him into the playoffs — and Saturday’s pole puts him in perfect position to chase it.
Recap Table
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Pole Position | Busch Light Pole Qualifying |
| Venue | Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico City |
| Significance | First Cup Series race outside U.S. |
| SVG’s edge | Road-course experience, altitude handling |
| Next | Viva Mexico 250, Sunday |
The Bottom Line
SVG is an early favorite for Sunday’s Viva Mexico 250, with prime starting spot and a perfect track profile for his talents. This first-ever international Cup race could be his crowning moment in NASCAR — pole today, victory in sight tomorrow.
