Jose Blasco-Figueroa, a 52-year-old Mexican national living in the United States, is set to hear his country’s anthem for the first time at a NASCAR Cup Series race this weekend in Mexico City. The engineering expert and Trackhouse Racing team member became an American citizen in April, marking a significant milestone in his life.
As he prepares to witness the Mexican national anthem ahead of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez race, Blasco-Figueroa expressed his excitement and emotional connection to the event. “Going back there and listening to it is going to be probably the best part of the race regardless of what happens,” he said.
Blasco-Figueroa’s journey to NASCAR began with a toy Formula One car as a child, sparking his interest in engineering and racing. He has since worked for several top teams, including General Motors and Richard Childress Racing. After earning his master’s degree in England, he returned to Mexico City, where he currently oversees Trackhouse drivers Ross Chastain, Daniel Suarez, and Shane van Gisbergen.
The Trackhouse Racing team is looking to make a statement at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, with Blasco-Figueroa working on data-driven strategies to help them succeed. With his recent completion of a 12-week program in data science, he is confident in the team’s ability to make a strong showing.
If Trackhouse wins the race, it would mark a memorable day for Blasco-Figueroa, who has finally been able to hear his country’s anthem at a NASCAR Cup Series event. His path from Mexico City to NASCAR is a testament to the power of passion and determination in pursuing one’s dreams.
Source: https://www.nbcsports.com/nascar/news/trackhouse-racing-engineer-excited-for-chance-to-return-home-with-nascar-race-in-mexico