MEXICO CITY — Daniel Suarez, NASCAR’s celebrated driver, has embraced the role of unofficial ambassador for Mexico City as NASCAR gears up for its historic international points-paying Cup Series race this Sunday. As the racing event approaches, Suarez has become an invaluable resource in the garage, dispensing advice on local cuisine, entertainment, navigating the sprawling city, and even basic Spanish phrases. This pivotal race marks only the third time in NASCAR’s 77-year history that the Cup Series will venture outside the U.S.
Suarez, hailing from Monterrey, has already made a name for himself at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, boasting three victories on different course layouts in NASCAR’s Mexico Series. He is particularly eager to clinch a win at the Cup level in front of a home crowd, as it would mark his first triumph of the season.
While Suarez is thrilled about racing in Mexico, showcasing the city’s rich culture, and sharing its magic, he is also weighed down by concerns about his future in NASCAR. He is currently in a pivotal contract year with Trackhouse Racing, where he competes alongside Ross Chastain and Shane van Ginsbergen, with Connor Zilisch as a development driver. Trackhouse Racing fields only three cars in the Cup Series, making Suarez acutely aware of the numbers game, as he currently ranks 28th in the series standings.
“It’s not the first time I’ve felt this pressure,” Suarez acknowledged. “Maybe the first time with a Mexico race, but I’ve had to negotiate a contract mid-season before. It’s definitely distracting. I won’t say it doesn’t matter, but I need to place it aside and focus on the track.”
This particular weekend holds special significance for Suarez, the only Mexican-born winner of a NASCAR national series race with two Cup victories, three Xfinity Series wins, and one Truck Series triumph to his credit. His 2016 Xfinity Series championship made him the only foreign-born driver to claim a national series title. Anticipation is high as Suarez anticipates a significant turnout from friends and family who have supported him from afar throughout his challenging journey to NASCAR recognition.
Since joining Trackhouse Racing in 2021, Suarez secured an extension through 2025 but has had a rough season start, with an average finish of 21st, three positions worse than last year. Reflecting on the upcoming race, Suarez expressed, “The race in Mexico is something I’ve eagerly awaited for years. I won’t let outside pressures overshadow this moment. We’ve found some speed recently, and I’m hopeful it continues this weekend.”
This weekend, Suarez’s car will feature backing from Mexican telecommunications giant Telcel, marking one of his first significant sponsorship deals from a Mexican company since he’s typically not raced there. “This event opens many opportunities for me and the sport,” Suarez enthused.
The contract situation hoovers as another layer of pressure for Suarez, who hopes to balance being Sunday’s star attraction with delivering a stellar performance. “Once we’re racing, I just want to focus and enjoy,” he shared. “I accept my role as the local hero, but I must prioritize the competition. Win or lose, that focus is paramount.”
Securing a victory at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez would immensely boost Suarez’s chances of extending his tenure with Trackhouse Racing. The upcoming races present opportunities with road courses at Mexico City, Sonoma, and Chicago.
“Honestly, I’m not sure what a contract extension would entail, but I discuss our goals regularly with team owner Justin Marks,” Suarez admitted, highlighting Trackhouse Racing’s rapid development. Suarez sees the potential for Trackhouse to elevate further, observing that consistency in finding speed akin to larger teams remains pivotal.
“Ross’s recent win spurred momentum; now, we need consistent performance,” Suarez added. “While at times overwhelming, handling such conversations and distractions is part of life. My aim is to excel in competition and aid the team’s continuous growth.”