Suárez, Mexican idol, leads the historic NASCAR in Mexico

Daniel Suárez returns to Mexico, marking a historic milestone as the first NASCAR Cup race outside the United States, this Sunday in Mexico City. After a decade, Daniel Suárez returns to compete in his homeland. In his twenties, he participated in the NASCAR México Series and traveled to the United States to compete in what is now known as the ARCA Menards Series East. This weekend, Suárez will participate in the Xfinity and Cup series at the Hermanos Rodríguez Autodrome, the first time that NASCAR’s main drivers compete in Mexico.

It’s something very special. It’s difficult to explain, only those who know me well understand how important this is to me.

Daniel Suárez

Suárez recounts how, after much effort and sacrifice, he managed to stand out in NASCAR Mexico, which was initially his main goal. Achieving it at an early age gave him the hope of succeeding in the United States. Suárez’s story is a dreamlike tale, the archetype of the American dream. Without resources or a background in motorsports, his family supported him. At 17, on the verge of quitting due to lack of funds, a sponsor gave him the opportunity to fulfill his dreams, allowing him to move to the U.S., despite not mastering English. His path included living on a friend’s couch in New York and splitting his time between races in Mexico and the United States. Finally, he settled in North Carolina, where he caught the attention of Joe Gibbs Racing, who gave him an opportunity in the Xfinity Series in 2014. Two years later, he was crowned champion and has achieved two victories in the Cup Series. Regarding the language barrier, Suárez, who now drives the No. 99 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing in the Cup Series, learned English in a peculiar way: by watching cartoons. These children’s programs facilitated his learning of words and pronunciation. Returning to my country as the winner of the NASCAR Cup Series and champion of the Xfinity Series is very special. Not only for me, but for those who have supported me for years, the fans, the media, and Mexico. Suárez never imagined that the Cup Series would race in Mexico. It was a distant dream. Suárez is the central figure of the event, earning the respect of his colleagues, who seek his knowledge about the race and the local environment.

I feel fortunate to represent my country and bring NASCAR to my home. I won’t be the superstar, but one more from the place, and that’s special.

Daniel Suárez

Suárez recounts how a young man in Mexico City, with one of his caps, assured him that he would be in the race, demonstrating the constant support since his beginnings in NASCAR Mexico.

NASCAR has a global presence, with series in Canada, Europe, Brazil, and Mexico. Although the NASCAR Mexico Series will participate this weekend, the presence of the national series abroad is a significant moment. The Xfinity series ran in Mexico City from 2005 to 2008, and the Craftsman Truck Series has had races in Canada. However, Sunday’s race will be the first Cup Series race outside the United States since 1958. This allows the industry’s premier series to reach an international audience, as other American sports have done. Suárez believes that NASCAR can achieve the same international success, especially in Mexico, where the automotive and sports culture is growing.

I have zero doubts because I have a different perspective. I know how popular this sport is and that people in Mexico will go crazy. If one day we race in Brazil and Argentina, it will be a great success.

Daniel Suárez

Suárez believes NASCAR has done a great job in the United States for over 75 years and thinks it’s a good time to explore new frontiers.