An enthusiastic record crowd turned out to welcome motor racing back to the Guadalajara region Sunday after an absence of six years.

Stands at the Autódromo Bernardo Obregón in Cajititlan were packed to the rafters with 15,000 fans for the fourth round of the NASCAR Peak Mexico Series, one of the country’s most prestigious racing events.

A thrilling race complete with daring maneuvers and accidents lasting more than 80 minutes saw Rubén Rovelo take the checkered flag and maintain his leadership in the series. 

Rogelio López – the series’ winningest driver – was in pole position at the start but suffered a puncture in the early part of the race and lost ground after being forced to enter the pits.  He nonetheless fought his way back through the field to finish in second place behind Rovelo.

The Autódromo Bernardo Obregón had been completely refurbished to stage last weekend’s event.