Franchitti hopes to bow out on a high

The Scot is preparing for his final Champ Car appearance before switching to the rival Indy Racing League next year. He lies fourth in the points at the moment behind Chip Ganassi Racing's Bruno Junqueira and Forsythe's Patrick Carpentier. But only 10 points covers the trio going into the season finale at the new-look Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez track.

"I'm still hoping that things work out in such a way that I can finish second in the standings," Franchitti said. "It won't be easy, and luck will have to play a factor if I'm going to be able to do it. But strange things can happen in racing and I've got to believe that everything is still possible."

The race also marks final appearances in CART for Franchitti's outfit Team Green and main sponsor KOOL cigarettes. The re-named Andretti Green Racing is heading to the IRL next, with Franchitti staying loyal to the squad, while KOOL is pulling out of motorsport sponsorship.

Franchitti's team-mate Paul Tracy will bring his five-year spell with Team Green to a close in Mexico City. He is due to remain in CART with the Forsythe team.

"This is KOOL's last race and I'd like to win this race for everyone," said the Canadian. "I've been with Team Green for the past five years and although we've had some hard times, we've also overcome a lot of challenges and had some great wins and good times along the way. All in all it's been a very good experience for me and I wish everyone well in the future."