Brad Keselowski prepares for high altitude NASCAR Mexico race as the Cup Series heads to Mexico City for its first-ever points event at an international venue, where unique challenges await competitors. With the renowned Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez featuring high elevation and a rare mix of configurations, Keselowski leads Ford’s preparations, emphasizing both strategy and technical readiness.
NASCAR Makes Historic Shift to Mexico City
Following the race at Michigan International Speedway, NASCAR’s next destination is the notable Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, located in the heart of Mexico City. This world-class venue marks a pivotal step in NASCAR’s global expansion by hosting the first points-paying Cup race on international soil. The circuit stands out for its combination of road and oval elements, providing a distinctive test for drivers and teams.
Daniel Suarez is the only current Cup Series driver with prior racing experience at this complex track, raising the stakes for his competitors, including Keselowski, as they prepare for uncharted territory. At 2.674 miles, the track presents unfamiliar twists and turns, further complicated by its altitude.
The Challenge of Racing at High Altitude
Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez rises 2,285 meters, or roughly 1.6 miles, above sea level, making it the highest site for a NASCAR Cup race. For comparison, Las Vegas Motor Speedway sits at just 603 meters. The rarefied air at this elevation directly affects a car’s performance—reducing engine power, downforce, and cooling capacity. Systems that depend on airflow are most at risk, as engines and components tend to run hotter in thinner air.
This unique setting demands significant adaptation from drivers and manufacturers, with Brad Keselowski at the forefront of Ford’s efforts to strategize for these conditions.
Keselowski and Ford’s Approach to the Altitude Factor
To address the intense cooling demands, NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass explained how teams will respond:
“Next week at Mexico, each manufacturer will bring an extra cooling system with adjustments to louver panels. After first practice, each manufacturer must decide if they use their regular ones or the ones that provide more cooling (b/c high altitude).”
—Bob Pockrass, NASCAR journalist
Further highlighting Ford’s planning, Brad Keselowski provided insights into their strategy and adaptability:
“You know the high altitude is a big factor. As you get to higher altitudes, cars run hotter and don’t cool as well. NASCAR wisely opened up some options. We need to get on track to validate the science, but it looks pretty certain that we will go for the high-end package this time, but you know, maybe not. That’s why we would practice well.”
—Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing driver
Kenselowski emphasized the importance of using practice sessions to gather critical data, as the teams must decide—after initial on-track experience—whether to use standard cooling setups or opt for enhanced versions necessary at altitude.
Team Coordination and Race Weekend Dynamics
The decision-making process is not just about equipment but also about collaborative strategy among teams sharing manufacturers. Ford outfits like RFK Racing and Team Penske must come to a collective agreement on which cooling systems to deploy during the race, adding another layer of complexity. The potential for changing weather, including rain, compounds the challenge, making preparation and flexibility essential for all participants.
Practice sessions have thus become key, serving as the only opportunity for teams to fine-tune their approach to high-altitude racing. Each manufacturer, including Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota, faces the task of balancing innovation with reliability as they face new environmental and technical hurdles.
Anticipation Builds for a Thrilling Race
With all factors considered—elevation, track layout, strategic choices, and unpredictable weather—the upcoming NASCAR Cup race in Mexico City is set to deliver both excitement and uncertainty. For Keselowski, Ford, and the entire NASCAR field, this event represents not just an unprecedented technical challenge but also the prospect of shaping how the series embraces new markets and racing environments in the future. The outcome of their preparations in practice will be closely watched by teams, fans, and the broader motorsports world.
