RICHMOND, Va. -- NASCAR confirmed Tuesday that Richmond Raceway is losing one of its two NASCAR races in the 2025 season.
It would be the first time since 1959, outside the COVID-impacted seasons, that the eastern Henrico track has not hosted two races in a season.
Jordan Bianchi, a reporter for The Athletic, wrote Monday that NASCAR planned to take a June race away from Richmond Raceway and move it to Mexico City.
NASCAR announced on Tuesday that the June 15, 2025 race would take place in Mexico. Richmond Raceway's lone race will take place Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025.
WATCH: 'It doesn't draw the same crowd'
"This is a historic moment for our sport, and specifically for the NASCAR Cup Series, in being able to expand our footprint to Mexico,” NASCAR’s Executive Vice President & Chief Venue & Racing Innovation Officer Ben Kennedy said. “We’ve been bold about our intentions to grow on a global scale, and there isn’t a better place to take the next step in that journey than at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez road course in Mexico City.”
With that announcement, Kennedy confirmed Richmond would only appear one time on the 2025 schedule.
"This has certainly been a journey for us on the scheduling front," Kennedy said. “Our next opportunity was to expand internationally and we said we’ve wanted to do this for a long time but also needed to make sure it was the right time, the right partners and the right location and Mexico City checked every box."
WATCH: Richmond International Raceway changes ahead of 1996 NASCAR race
The Henrico Citizen reported 2009 studies that found race weekend generates nearly $169 million in economic impact for the region and about $42 million in tax revenue.
Richmond Raceway has not yet commented on this development
This is a developing story. Tell the CBS 6 Newsroom what you think about NASCAR taking a race away from Richmond. We may use your comments on TV.
WATCH: How NASCAR impacts Henrico County (Sept. 1992)
-
-
Sodas and Mocktails from Mother Shrub
Watch Virginia This Morning each weekday from 9 to 10 a.m. Find the show on Facebook and Instagram at @VirginiaThisMorning.
Active Medicare Solutions - a medicare agency ready to help you
Watch Virginia This Morning each weekday from 9 to 10 a.m. Find the show on Facebook and Instagram at @VirginiaThisMorning.
Neighbors 'impressed' by new tools to slow drivers: 'It's a speedway'
Residents living along Meridian Avenue in Colonial Heights are finally feeling safer after the city installed speed bumps to combat years of dangerous speeding through their neighborhood.
Immigration judge rules that Columbia activist Mahmoud Khalil can be deported
Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil can be deported as a national security risk, an immigration judge in Louisiana ruled Friday.
Judge rules Menendez brothers’ bid for freedom through resentencing can continue
Erik and Lyle Menendez’s resentencing hearings can continue despite opposition from the Los Angeles County district attorney, a judge ruled Friday.
Idaho community seeking answers after police shooting of teen with autism
"Everyone is looking for answers." Pocatello, Idaho, Mayor Brian Blad says the recent police shooting of a 17-year-old autistic teen has "his full attention."
-
Every day CBS 6 is giving a voice to the stories happening in your community. If you have a story idea, email our team at NewsTips@wtvr.com or click here to submit a tip.
