MEXICO CITY >> 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.

The event had its detractors — rumors persisted for months that it would be canceled over security concerns or the escalating tensions between the United States and Mexico — and some NASCAR team members remained critical all the way through Sunday’s race.

But was it a success? Even with travel delays, hotel room snafus and confusion over shuttle transportation, it was unequivocally a shining moment for NASCAR.

“Every single thing about this weekend exceeded my expectations,” said Daniel Suarez, the Monterrey-born NASCAR driver who was the face of the three-day weekend. “The people, the fans, the sponsors, the excitement, the energy. I had expectations for this weekend... and I can tell you that I personally exceeded those expectations.”

The idea to try the road course at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez — host of one of the most popular Formula 1 events on that calendar — was the brainchild of Ben Kennedy, executive vice president and chief venue and racing innovations officer. The great-grandson of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. has been aggressive in shaking up a schedule that went to the same tracks on the same weekends for decades.

Bringing the Cup Series to Mexico City — only the third race outside the U.S. in 77 years — was a chance to expose stock car racing to a new demographic and give Mexican fans their first chance to see the series race live.

“This was a historic moment for our sport, for Mexico, and for the global motorsports community,” Kennedy said after Shane Van Gisbergen won Sunday’s race.

“One of the coolest parts about this weekend was seeing the reaction of the fans. I had the opportunity to go into the stands a few times,” he continued, “the energy and the passion of the fans here is unmatched.”

Kennedy said 90% of those in attendance were from Mexico, with 44% from Mexico City.

Will NASCAR return? >> Even so, Kennedy could not guarantee another race in Mexico City. FIFA has World Cup games scheduled for this same week next year and there are the logistical issues of finding a date during a packed 38-week schedule.

The cars had to leave Michigan International Speedway immediately after last week’s race to make the 40-hour journey across the border, and now must get to Pocono Raceway in Pennsylvania in time for this weekend’s race.

“I want to go everywhere in the world — England, Germany, South America, Australia, every where we can go,” said Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon, the vice chairman at Hendrick Motorsports. “The next thing that makes sense in Canada. But we have to figure out the schedule before we do too much of this.

“We can’t do this. Michigan, Mexico City, back to Pocono, can’t happen. We’re doing it and we’re excited to take on the challenge, but it’s going to wear on us and I don’t think we can do it all back-to-back.”