A velocity cooled (VC) mobile data center (MDC) utilizes exhaust/residual heat to preheat cooling air. The MDC includes a volumetric container with heat generating information technology (IT) equipment positioned therein, having a minimum operating temperature. The MDC includes a ram air based cooling subsystem that provides a flow of outside cooling air to cool the IT equipment when the MDC is mobile. An engine of the transport vehicle connected to the container generates exhaust/residual heat during operation. The MDC includes an exhaust heat re-routing subsystem, fluidly coupled to the container, and which channels the exhaust heat from the transport vehicle engine towards the container to provide additional heating of ingested ram air to bring the ambient temperature of the IT equipment up to within the specific range of operating temperatures, above the minimum operating temperature. A flow control mechanism selectively opened or closed to direct the exhaust heat flow.