Altitude, Not Horsepower, Becomes The Biggest Challenge In Mexico City

gettyimages-2220018518 — MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JUNE 13: Chase Briscoe, driver of the #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota, drives during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Viva Mexico 250 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on June 13, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

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Mexico City sits at 7,349 feet above sea level and is surrounded by mountains on three sides – it’s a vastly different setting than what the NASCAR national series regularly experience.

Some drivers even used a hypoxia tent to help them acclimate easier, others arrived early to get used to the climate and altitude .

“When it comes to the driver and the altitude training, there’s a lot of different strategies and a lot of different philosophies,’’ McDowell said. “I, by no means, feel like the scientist that has got it right, but I’ve been here a few times and I’ve experienced it a few times, so I know what works for me.

“It is a challenge. Honestly, it’s part of the reason why I decided not to run the Xfinity race was because I felt like this is a really physically demanding weekend, getting acclimated to the altitude and road racing in general. Yes, extra laps and extra seat time would be great to be more familiar, but I felt like you’re going to be at your limit on Sunday and I want to make sure that I have the best possible day of the week.”