Tulum to Host NASCAR Mexico Series Race with Local Driver Santiago Cruz

Tulum, Quintana Roo — Tulum will add high-performance motorsport to its events calendar next spring as it prepares to host a round of the NASCAR Mexico Series on April 25–26, 2026. The race, branded the Nations Tulum 100, will feature Quintana Roo native Santiago Cruz, marking a rare opportunity for a local driver to compete in a national championship event on home turf.

Cruz was formally introduced as a competitor during a March 11 presentation at Bahía Príncipe Country Club. The young driver has been building his career within Mexico’s stock car development ladder, advancing through regional circuits and national series designed to cultivate emerging talent. His participation underscores the growing presence of southeastern Mexico in a sport historically concentrated around central and northern states.

The NASCAR Mexico Series, sanctioned by NASCAR and operating since 2004, is the country’s premier stock car championship. It serves as a stepping stone to international competition and has produced drivers who advanced to U.S.-based NASCAR divisions. Races typically feature purpose-built stock cars capable of exceeding 250 km/h, with events drawing television coverage and corporate sponsorship nationwide.

The Tulum race follows recent efforts to position the Mexican Caribbean as a host for large-scale sporting events beyond beach tourism. Quintana Roo has previously staged international triathlons, golf tournaments, and the annual Tulum Air Show — an aviation exhibition that has brought aerobatic demonstrations and military aircraft displays to the region.

Organizers say the Nations Tulum 100 aims to blend sport, tourism, and destination branding, creating economic spillover for hotels, restaurants, and service providers. With the 2026 season calendar expanding into new venues, Tulum’s inclusion reflects broader efforts to diversify its image beyond archeological sites and eco-tourism, adding motorsport to its evolving portfolio of high-profile events.