After wrapping up the Michigan International Speedway race, NASCAR is heading to Mexico City. The new venue comes with uncertainties, but Brad Keselowski seems to be ready for it.
As part of NASCAR’s global expansion, Cup Series drivers will, for the first time, compete in a points race at an international venue. The legendary Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is a unique track that is basically a road course but also consists of oval configurations. None of the active Cup drivers have run it except for Daniel Suarez.
Also, other than the configurations and the unpredictability of the 2.674-mile track, one challenge NASCAR drivers would surely face in the Mexico race is the altitude. According to Keselowski, they are going in with all the precautions and prep.
Brad Keselowski Opens Up on His Game Plan To Tackle the Altitude Challenge in Mexico
Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez is 2,285 metres above sea level, which is approximately 1.6 miles. So, this would be the highest NASCAR Cup race ever. To make a comparison, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway is 603 meters above sea level and is one of the highest tracks on the Cup schedule.
Higher altitude means thinner air, basically lower air pressure, and, in general, less air. This, in turn, affects everything from engine power to cooling to downforce on a car. Mostly, all air-dependent systems seem to struggle on high-altitude tracks. Since they run even hotter than before, it is difficult to cool them.
According to NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass, “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).”
Pockrass also spoke to Keselowski about what Ford is planning to do in Mexico. Keselowski replied, “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.”
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). Keselowski on the choice: pic.twitter.com/ep6qxsqR0l
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 8, 2025
The practice sessions on the Mexico weekend are going to be crucial, as the teams will have to make sure that their cars don’t run too hot. But what could be another challenge is all teams under one manufacturer agreeing to the same strategy when it comes to cooling.
In Ford’s case, RFK Racing and Team Penske would basically have to run the same cooling systems in the race. With the possibility of it raining in Mexico, the altitude challenges, and all other unknown factors, the race is all set to be a thriller.