Veteran NASCAR Mexico driver Rafael Vallina experienced a significant setback during the recent “Querétaro 200” race, held at the EcoCentro de Querétaro. Vallina, piloting the No. 0 CocaColaZero-Tab-Bokados Chevrolet for Spartac Racing Team, was forced to retire early from the competition due to a crash resulting from a mechanical failure.
The incident occurred on the second lap of the race when a failure in the front right suspension caused Vallina to lose control of his vehicle, leading to a collision with the track’s barrier. The impact was significant enough to end his participation in the event prematurely. Despite the severity of the crash, Vallina emerged unscathed.
“Something failed in the suspension; these things happen in motorsports,” Vallina commented after the race. “It’s not the team’s fault; it’s just one of those things that can occur. It hurts because it sets us back in the championship standings, and I feel for my team who have worked so hard.”
Prior to the accident, Vallina had shown promising performance, starting from the 26th position and making significant progress through the field. His early exit from the race was a disappointment for both him and his team, who had high expectations for the event.
Despite this setback, Vallina remains optimistic about the remainder of the season. He is now focusing on the upcoming race at El Dorado Speedway in Chihuahua, a track he is intimately familiar with, being one of its founders and stakeholders. “The goal is to improve in all aspects; we aim to finish within the Top 10. It’s our internal commitment, and I have confidence that we can be competitive,” he stated.
The “Querétaro 200” was the fifth race of the 2025 NASCAR Mexico Series season. Following this event, Vallina and his team are regrouping and preparing for the challenges ahead, with the next race scheduled at El Dorado Speedway.
