Notes: NASCAR, Mexico combine int'l style and flair

The Corona Mexico 200, the fourth consecutive trip to Mexico City for the Nationwide Series, is a preeminent race on the 2008 schedule -- and then some.

This year's version can also be touted as a virtual all-star event for the series.

The entry list carries the clout of series regulars, double-duty drivers, international open-wheel superstars, road-course aces and natives of Mexico understandably excited to race in front of their passionate fans.

Fast facts

What	Corona Mexico 200
When	Green, 2:22 p.m. ET Sunday
TV	ESPN/Deportes, 1:30 p.m. ET
Radio	MRN (Sirius Ch. 28), 2 p.m. ET

Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez

"The excitement of racing in Mexico in front of such passionate race fans that overwhelmingly support their local heroes is a highlight of our season," Nationwide Series director Joe Balash said.

Mexico City's own Adrian Fernandez (No. 5 Chevrolet), one of the country's most famous sports figures and always among the favorites to win this race, has two top-10 finishes in three races at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

"You hear [the fans] cheering for you and you have that extra bite to try to do your best in front of them," he said.

Last year's runner-up, Scott Pruett (No. 40 Dodge), Kyle Busch (No. 20 Toyota); Boris Said (No. 25 Ford), Patrick Carpentier (No. 9 Dodge), Sam Hornish Jr. (No. 12 Dodge), Michel Jourdain Jr. (No. 32 Toyota) and Max Papis (No. 64 Chevrolet) also dot the roster.

Series regulars with solid road-course backgrounds like Marcos Ambrose (No. 59 Ford), Brad Coleman (No. 27 Ford) and Colin Braun (No. 16 Ford) are entered.

Defending series champion Carl Edwards (No. 60 Ford), who has an average finish of 5.0 at this track, will race as will defending Craftsman Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday (No. 33 Chevrolet).

International flair in Mexico City

Of the 48 entries for the Corona Mexico 200, drivers from six countries are represented on the entry list:

• Thirty-eight drivers are from the United States.
• Marcos Ambrose is from Australia.
• Patrick Carpentier and D.J. Kennington (No. 81 Dodge) are from Canada.
• Max Papis is from Italy.
• Alex Garcia (No. 98 Chevrolet) is from Venezuela.

In addition to Adrian Fernandez and Michel Jourdain Jr., the five-man Mexican contingent includes Ruben Pardo (No. 22 Dodge), the 2006 NASCAR Camping World Series East Sunoco Rookie of the Year. Pardo was the first Mexican-born driver to win in the series when he did so that same season at Lime Rock (Conn.) Park.

Antonio Perez (No. 86 Dodge), the 2006 NASCAR Mexico Rookie of the Year. Perez highlighted his second season by earning his first career stock-car victory Sept. 2 in Monterrey. He capped the season by finishing second in the finale at Mexico City in September. He also qualified for the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown in 2007. Perez's car is an inter-sport collaboration with one of its sponsors, Club Diportivo Chivas, touted as "Mexico's most-loved" soccer team.

Finally, Joe Luis Ramirez (No. Dodge), a teammate of Perez in this event, has run on a limited basis in the NASCAR Camping World Series West. He had six starts last season and in 13 starts in 2004, finished 10th in the standings.

On the road in Mexico

Versatility is the name of the game for series drivers, who are in the midst of a four-race span that has taken or will take them to a short track, an intermediate track, a road course, and a superspeedway.

"Since this is our first road course race of the season, there will be a big mind-set change for the teams from racing on ovals with long straightaways to the technical turns of this track that will challenge the skill level of every driver," Balash said.

"As they prepare for this track, teams will have to make sure they set their brake systems to the style of their driver. At Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, it's important not to over-extend the brakes in the early stages so there aren't issues in the closing laps when it's most important for the brakes to be working properly." (Continued)