Audio By Carbonatix
NASCAR brought the Cup Series to Mexico City for the first race outside of the United States since 1958. Tab Boyd is not happy with the accommodations during his stay.
He did not agree with the decision to descend upon such a dangerous city based on first-hand experience.
Boyd is one of the most well-known spotters in NASCAR. His job is to be the eyes and ears for his team.
Boyd’s experience with the Cup Series race in Mexico differs from that of the drivers. Kyle Larson, Bubba Wallace and Chase Elliott all spoke highly of their week in Polanco. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s spotter had/has a very different opinion.
“I’m ready to go home, screw this place,” he wrote on X. “People can talk it up all they want… can’t even walk out the front door of the hotel without getting hustled and money snatched… in less than five minutes. Good area my a–…”
I cannot say for certain, but it seemed like Tab Boyd was alluding to some kind of shakedown or robbery. He did not provide further details about what happened. However, he said that he “travels coast to coast” and it is “not like this.” He “tried to have an open mind” but this has “pissed him off.”
Again, Boyd did not expand further. There is no way to corroborate his allegations as of now but he obviously would prefer not to return in the future. Perhaps his claims are valid. Perhaps they are exaggerated. Either way, he is the most vocal person to speak out against the race thus far.
NASCAR traveled beyond the southern border on Tuesday and Wednesday in groups of 20. The haulers were flanked by heavily-armed military guards as they drove more than 12 hours across the country. By all accounts, there were not any issues.
Sophomore Cup Series driver Zan Smith called out the blatant xenophobia surrounding the race upon arrival to Mexico City. Other drivers seem to be comfortable with the accommodations.
Here’s the thing — spotters are not treated quite as luxuriously as the drivers. Tab Boyd is not getting to stay at the nicest hotels. Nor does he get to be chauffeured around the city. His experience with the NASCAR race in Mexico City is nothing short of a disaster, apparently. We’ve yet to see any proof.