Suárez’s story is like a Hollywood script, a true American dream. Coming from a family with no experience in the world of motorsports or economic resources, he received the necessary support to pursue his dream. At 17, on the verge of giving up due to lack of funds, a sponsor gave him the opportunity to move to the United States, despite not mastering English. His path included living on a friend’s couch in Buffalo, New York, and dividing his time between Mexico and the United States. Finally, he settled in Charlotte, North Carolina, and caught the attention of Joe Gibbs Racing, which gave him an opportunity in the Xfinity Series in 2014. Two years later, he became champion, and has achieved two victories in the Cup Series. Regarding the language barrier, Suárez, who now drives the Chevrolet No. 99 for Trackhouse Racing in the Cup Series, learned English in a peculiar way: by watching cartoons, which are easy to understand and have clear pronunciation.It’s something very special. Honestly, it’s hard for people to grasp. Only those who truly know me know how important and special this is to me.
Daniel Suárez
Suárez never imagined that the Cup Series would race in Mexico. It was a dream, one of those “what if” scenarios, a “maybe someday”. The driver has become a benchmark for the weekend, being the local star. Suárez is very popular among his fellow drivers, who have asked him for advice on what to expect and other local details.Now, returning to my country as the winner of the NASCAR Cup Series and champion of the Xfinity Series, is something very special. Not only for me, but for many people who have supported me for many years, for the fans, the media and for Mexico. They have known me for a long time. So it’s very special.
Daniel Suárez
The presence of NASCAR is global, with series in Canada, Europe, Brazil, and Mexico. The NASCAR Mexico Series will join the Cup and Xfinity series this weekend, but the fact that the two national series are competing internationally is a significant moment for the industry. The Xfinity Series raced in Mexico City from 2005 to 2008, and the Craftsman Truck Series has already held races in Canada. However, Sunday will be the first time that the Cup Series, a quintessential American sport, will hold a points race outside the United States since 1958. In doing so, the industry will bring its premier series to an international audience, as other American professional sports have done. Suárez doesn’t doubt that NASCAR can have the same international appeal, especially as Mexico continues to develop its automotive, motorsport, and sports culture in general.I feel very fortunate to be in this position and to be able to represent my country, my community, my people, and to bring the entire NASCAR industry to my home.
Daniel Suárez
There are many people who love motorsports in Mexico and South America. In my opinion, the sky’s the limit. I think NASCAR has done a tremendous job for over 75 years in the United States, and they’ve done some things here and there internationally, but I think it’s a good time to explore new frontiers.The reason why I have no doubt is because maybe I have a different perspective than most people and maybe that of most of the drivers here in the United States. Obviously, I am Mexican. I have a wife who is Brazilian. We have many relationships in Brazil and South America, Mexico, and I know some people in Argentina and Colombia. I know how popular this sport is, and I know that people will go crazy in Mexico. And I know that if we ever race in Brazil and Argentina, it would be a great success.
Daniel Suárez
