^{* - “Boogity, boogity, boogity, let’s go racing boys!” as translated by Google.}

NASCAR’s great Mexican experiment is upon us, furthering Brian France’s goal of transforming NASCAR from a branch of motorsport with charming Southern roots into just another over-hyped media product in the national spotlight.

The up-side is the Busch Series is finally back on a road course, having abandoned their early summer Watkins Glen date in 2001 (although it also returns as a Cup support event this year).

With Champ Car still clinging on life support, perhaps the reception by Mexican fans (known to be very passionate about motorsports) this weekend will be the impetus for an invasion of Mexican ride-buyers into NASCAR. Considering how many fans scoff at Toyota’s Craftsman Truck Series entry, based off an Indiana-built Tundra that’s arguably more American than the Mexican-built Rams and Silverados, I’m sure they’ll just love such a foreign influx.

I wonder if the race broadcast in Mexico will feature commercial breaks filled with ads for nothing but ED drugs and Michael Waltrip. If so, welcome aboard Mexico!