Flight issues delay NASCAR teams en route to Mexico City, forcing major schedule changes ahead of Sunday's Cup Series race.

The Mexico City road course played host to the Xfinity Series from 2005-08, but its layout has changed significantly since then. The track virtually was rebuilt before the return of Formula One in 2015, adding a new race control, VIP section, hospital and grandstands. The circuit, which features various configurations, also was repaved.

Ellis shared photos of firetrucks greeting the plane as they returned to the gate, and firemen standing by as passengers deboarded. Longtime NASCAR reporter Matt Weaver says that the pilot reported blowing an engine, possibly due to a bird strike, during takeoff:

NASCAR heads to Mexico City for its first international points race in over 70 years — and you can catch every second on Prime Video and Max

RAM Trucks' entry into NASCAR next year has been decided, but the brand hasn't disclosed its plans and has yet to form a team.

Diners can expect signature race-day cocktails from Jose Cuervo (the official tequila of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, naturally) and a "Cup Series" of wine pairings from legendary Italian winery Marchesi Antinori. There’s even an emcee—culinary personality, Catherine De Orio — to steer the evening along.

Roadkills are always an unfortunate occurrence. When they happen on highly controlled venues such as a NASCAR race track, they’re only more so. Wood Brothers Racing driver Josh Berry hit and obliterated a bird during this season’s race at the Talladega Superspeedway.