Article
NASCAR Takes on Mexico City for the First Time
NASCAR’s international expansion continues in full force, and 2025 brings a bold new chapter—Mexico City will host a NASCAR Cup Series race for the very first time. The event, which also features the Xfinity and NASCAR México Series, is more than just a triple-header. It’s a statement: NASCAR is ready to go global. But as drivers prepare to race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, one veteran has raised a serious concern—health.
Brad Keselowski Sounds the Alarm
41-year-old Brad Keselowski, fresh off securing the pole position for the All-Star Race, is already eyeing the Mexico City challenge—and he’s not taking it lightly. The track sits at an altitude of 7,300 feet above sea level, making it the highest venue NASCAR has ever raced on. “You’re just exhausted when it’s done from that altitude,” Keselowski recalled from his 2008 Xfinity Series appearance at the same circuit.
Why Altitude is a Serious Factor
High elevation means thin air, and that affects both cars and humans. Engines perform with less power—down around 20%—and drivers get less oxygen, increasing fatigue, shortness of breath, and headaches. With the race set to run 100 laps, totaling nearly 243 miles, driver endurance will be pushed to the brink.
Fitness Becomes a Key to Victory
“It’s a tough track,” Keselowski noted, adding that physical conditioning will be more important than ever. Some drivers may even use altitude training or simulated low-oxygen workouts to prepare. Many teams already incorporate endurance, heat, and cardio sessions into their routines, but Mexico City demands even more.
Technical Impacts on Car Performance
The altitude doesn’t just affect drivers. Car setups will need adjustments. With less air resistance, cars generate less drag—but also less downforce—making them harder to handle in corners. Cooling systems are pushed to their limits in the thin air, adding another layer of complexity to the race strategy.
Global Expansion, Global Challenges
Mexico isn’t the only international destination on NASCAR’s calendar. Brands Hatch in the UK and a proposed race in Brazil show that the sport is setting its sights far beyond the U.S. But the Mexico City race is shaping up to be a turning point—not just for its cultural significance, but for the sheer physical demands it places on every driver.
Will Only the Fittest Survive?
With the altitude challenge looming large, the Mexico City race may become a true test of mental and physical toughness. Will the drivers rise to the occasion, or will this extreme environment expose the limits of even the sport’s top athletes? One thing is certain—at 7,300 feet, NASCAR will never look the same.