What Is 2020 NASCAR PEAK Mexico Series

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2020 NASCAR PEAK Mexico Series was the 15th season of the NASCAR Mexico Series, originally scheduled to begin on March 15, 2020, at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, but delayed due to the global pandemic. The season ultimately resumed in September and concluded with Rubén García Jr. winning his second consecutive championship.

Key Facts

The 2020 NASCAR PEAK Mexico Series was the 15th season of the series.
The season was originally scheduled to start on March 15, 2020, in Mexico City.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the season was delayed and resumed in September 2020.
Rubén García Jr. won his second consecutive series championship in 2020.
The series featured 8 races across various circuits in Mexico and one in the U.S.

Overview

The 2020 NASCAR PEAK Mexico Series marked the 15th season of Mexico’s premier stock car racing series, sanctioned by NASCAR and promoted by OCESA. Originally branded as the NASCAR Mexico Series, it was rebranded in 2019 under title sponsorship from PEAK Antifreeze & Coolant, hence the full name for the 2020 season.

Despite ambitious plans for a full 10-race schedule, the season faced major disruptions due to the global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. After a lengthy suspension, the revised calendar resumed in September and concluded with a condensed but competitive season.

Eight races were ultimately held in 2020, down from the originally planned 10, due to pandemic-related cancellations and rescheduling.
The season opener was scheduled for March 15, 2020, at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, but was postponed indefinitely.
Rubén García Jr. successfully defended his title, becoming the first driver to win back-to-back championships since the series' inception in 2004.
The series featured a mix of oval and road course events, including a rare U.S.-based race at Tucson Speedway in Arizona.
Drivers competed in Generation 6-spec NASCAR Mexico T4 cars, powered by 358 cubic inch V8 engines producing approximately 550 horsepower.

How It Works

The NASCAR PEAK Mexico Series operates under a points-based championship format similar to other NASCAR national series, with scoring based on race finishes, stage completions, and consistency.

Championship Format: Drivers earn points based on finishing position, with additional points awarded for leading laps and winning stages. The highest total at season’s end wins the title.
Race Structure: Most events consist of two 30-lap stages and a final 50-lap stage, with stage points awarded to the top 10 in each of the first two stages.
Car Specifications: All teams use spec T4 chassis with sealed engines to ensure parity; body styles include Camaro, Mustang, and Charger, reflecting current NASCAR designs.
Driver Eligibility: Competitors must hold a valid NASCAR Mexico license and pass safety and performance evaluations; international drivers are permitted with prior approval.
Points System: Race winners receive 40 base points, with 10 points decreasing per position; stage winners get 10 extra points, and 1 extra for leading a lap.
Playoff Format: Introduced in 2017, the Top 8 drivers after the regular season enter a three-race playoff to determine the champion.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2020 NASCAR PEAK Mexico Series with its 2019 and 2021 seasons to highlight structural and competitive changes:

Feature	2019 Season	2020 Season	2021 Season
Total Races	10	8	10
Champion	Rubén García Jr.	Rubén García Jr.	Salvador de Alba Jr.
Playoff Format	Yes	Yes	Yes
U.S. Race Included	No	Yes (Tucson)	No
Season Start	March 17	September 13	March 21

The 2020 season stands out due to its delayed start and reduced schedule, yet maintained high competitiveness. The inclusion of a U.S. race was a notable expansion effort, though not repeated in 2021. Despite disruptions, NASCAR Mexico preserved its playoff structure and championship integrity.

Why It Matters

The 2020 NASCAR PEAK Mexico Series demonstrated resilience amid global challenges and highlighted the growing reach of stock car racing in Latin America. Its ability to adapt and complete a season under difficult circumstances underscored its organizational strength.

The series helped expand NASCAR’s international footprint, particularly in Spanish-speaking markets, boosting viewership and sponsorship interest.
It provided a development platform for young Latin American drivers, many of whom aim to compete in NASCAR’s U.S.-based series.
The 2020 season’s U.S. race in Tucson marked a symbolic step toward cross-border competition and fan engagement.
Consistent sponsorship from PEAK Antifreeze ensured financial stability, allowing teams to operate despite pandemic uncertainties.
Streaming the races on NASCAR’s digital platforms increased global accessibility and digital engagement.
Rubén García Jr.’s back-to-back titles elevated his status as a national motorsports icon in Mexico.

Ultimately, the 2020 season reinforced the importance of adaptability in motorsports and set a precedent for future international expansion within NASCAR’s global strategy.