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Daniel Suarez has been actively promoting NASCAR’s inaugural Cup race in Mexico, as well as revealing a new paint scheme for the event under the sponsorship of Telcel-Infinitum. Suarez, a distinguished driver from Trackhouse Racing Team, holds the distinction of being the only Mexican to win at the Cup Series level and is the first foreign-born driver to capture a national-level title with his 2016 victory in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
During his time in Mexico, Motorsport.com had the opportunity to chat with Suarez about this highly anticipated race and his aspirations within the series. “The excitement is building; people, as well as the media, are really looking forward to it,” said Suarez regarding NASCAR’s upcoming June 15th race at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. “We just presented our car’s design, and I hope everyone likes it. While I still have several races on my plate before Mexico City, I’m treating this event as something truly special. I want to savor every moment because time flies, and before you know it, the race is over. My goal is to enjoy this experience and hopefully contend for a victory.”
Returning to His Roots
Suarez celebrated his first Cup victory at Sonoma Raceway in 2022, followed by another at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2024. Fans known as ‘Daniel’s Amigos’ regularly gather to support him, especially at various tracks in the U.S., where he can often spot Mexican flags flying. Despite the enthusiastic support he receives in places like California and Texas, Suarez regards Mexico as his true home and eagerly anticipates the atmosphere during the upcoming race.
“I really feel privileged,” Suarez stated. “It hasn’t been an easy road. In the U.S., I find places that make me feel at home, but the reality is that my home is here in Mexico. It’s a historic moment in NASCAR, the first points race outside the United States is happening here, and it makes this event incredibly special. This will be a weekend I cherish for the rest of my life.”
Navigating Challenges
While the event in Mexico is a highlight, Suarez is mindful that the NASCAR Cup series includes 35 additional races in 2025. As the season progresses, no Trackhouse driver has reached Victory Lane yet, although Suarez narrowly missed out on a win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, marking it as the team’s best outcome so far this season.
Reflecting on the team’s current standing, Suarez acknowledged, “We still have a path to pave.” While both cars from Trackhouse made it to the playoffs in 2022, the team’s visibility at the front has diminished in recent times. “We’ve made several structural changes to the team,” he explained. “However, those changes haven’t yet manifested on the track. Competing with powerhouse teams like Hendrick, Penske, and Joe Gibbs is a gap we’re working to close. We must assess what we need to catch up. In 2022, during the Next Gen’s debut, we were one of the strongest teams, but those larger teams have gained an advantage over time. This year, victories have largely been confined to just three teams.”
As he considers his shot at success, Suarez noted, “Winning can be feasible anywhere, but I hope for greater consistency across the board. Some weeks we have the speed to win, while other times we find ourselves struggling in the pack.” He emphasized the need for more chances to win, stating, “If I only have one or two opportunities a year, I’ll be lucky to secure a victory. More chances lead to greater success.”
Future Prospects
Another factor is the emergence of young talent like Connor Zilisch, who is already contracted with Trackhouse and has demonstrated his winning potential in the Xfinity Series. Despite these dynamics, Suarez maintains his focus on the team’s overall performance rather than dwelling on his individual position. “There’s a lot still undecided, and it’s early in the season, but we’ve been making strides forward,” he said. “Yet, we must ensure that our efforts are reflected in our track performance. Winning is crucial to making the playoffs; it’s risky to qualify on points alone. Focus is more on improving our execution race after race and building on our progress.”
“The next decade of my career is crucial. If I intend to compete for a championship, I need to strategize on how to achieve that. Trackhouse has the tools to support me in this journey. I’m content with the team but not entirely satisfied. I want to be more competitive, and I am hopeful that we can reach that goal together.”
Source
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