Despite the handful of industry insiders too scared to leave their hotels in Mexico City, NASCAR’s first international Cup Series race of the modern era was a cultural experience that brought new fans to the series and provided its competitors with a chance to enjoy a new country.

Shane van Gisbergen powered to a dominant 16.567-second victory at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, taking the checkered flag in the Viva Mexico 250 behind the wheel of the No. 88 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing.

NASCAR Cup Series driver Shan van Gisbergen mastered the road course in Mexico City and talked about fighting off an illness in his effort to win the race.