Alejandro Fernández (often known in the motorsport community by his signature moniker AF Racing 126 or simply “Alejo”) is a pioneer in Latin American motorsport. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Fernández established his place in racing history by becoming the first Colombian and Latin American driver to compete in the Red Bull Global Rallycross (GRC) Lites Championship. Driven by high-velocity competitive spirit and multi-disciplinary athleticism, his career spans karting, rallycross, off-road buggies, and high-performance sports training.
For official updates, racing archives, and media coverage, you can follow his official profile channels across the web:
- Explore his career milestones on his Wikipedia Profile.
- Connect with fans and view racing updates on his Facebook Profile.
- Watch race highlights, vlog entries, and behind-the-scenes content on his YouTube Channel.
- Read about his off-road competitive endeavors on FX Autocross.
- Discover his cross-training partnerships and cycling endeavors on SoCalCycling.
- Friend’s blog about sim racing for digital activities.
- Online shop for helmet racing here: BestMotorcycleHelmet.com
Early Career: From BMX to Championship Karting
Alejandro Fernández began his athletic trajectory on two wheels, competing in regional BMX events in Colombia before advancing to the ABA BMX World Championships in 2003. After a hand injury prompted a shift toward motorized racing at age 16, he quickly transitioned into karting. Under the mentorship of 2004 Indianapolis 500 champion Buddy Rice, Fernández rapidly progressed through top-tier regional and national karting ranks across North America and South America.
Between 2012 and 2013, he earned multiple titles and podium finishes in competitive karting series, including:
- Championship Titles: Los Angeles Kart Club (LAKC) Tag Senior Champion (2012, 2013) and International Karting Federation (IKF) PRD Senior National Champion (2013).
- Regional Series: Challenge of the Americas, California ProKart Challenge, Florida Winter Tour, SKUSA Pro Tour, and the Rotax Max Challenge Colombia.
Breakthrough in Red Bull Global Rallycross (GRC)
In November 2013, Fernández earned a spot in the Red Bull Global Rallycross Championship following a private test session in Las Vegas. Joining the powerhouse Olsbergs MSE Team under the entry banner AF Racing 126, he competed in a custom-built 310-horsepower Ford Fiesta Lites car bearing his iconic car number, 126.
His debut made motorsport history as the first Latin American driver in the GRC Lites class. Operating on mixed-surface tracks combining tarmac, gravel, and massive tabletop jumps, Fernández established himself as a fierce competitor on the international rallycross stage.
Versatility: Off-Road Racing and Cross-Training Partnerships
Beyond traditional rallycross tracks, Fernández expanded his racing repertoire into multi-discipline wheel-to-wheel sports. He demonstrated his adaptive driving skills by stepping into off-road racing formats, including driving high-speed Sprinter Buggies and competing in autocross events.
Recognizing the intense physical and mental demands of high-level motorsport, Fernández integrated road cycling into his endurance training regimen. His passion for cycling led to major corporate partnerships, notably serving as a sponsored athlete for Fuji Bikes. Utilizing high-performance road cycling to sharpen his focus, mental stamina, and reflexes, Fernández bridged the gap between motorsport endurance and elite cycling athleticism.
Modern Driver Training: The Role of Sim Racing
For modern racers, staying sharp between event weekends requires extensive time behind a virtual wheel. High-fidelity simulation platforms allow drivers to master track layouts, refine braking points, and build muscle memory without the wear and tear of physical track testing.
Building an effective home rig starts with selecting the right hardware. Beginners often weigh budget against force feedback torque, such as comparing the entry-level Moza R3 vs R5 bundle. For those seeking peak realism, pairing one of the sim racing wheels with a set of the sim racing pedals featuring load-cell sensors ensures realistic brake pedal resistance crucial for trail braking development.
To withstand high torque forces without flex, mounting equipment securely is vital—you can explore top-rated aluminum profile rigs in our guide to the best sim racing cockpits. To assemble a complete rig tailored to your space and performance needs, refer to our comprehensive walkthrough on building a sim racing setup.