Daniel Suárez Becomes US Citizen: In a poignant ceremony marked by joy and gravity, Daniel Suárez, a beloved figure in the NASCAR community, officially became a U.S. citizen. Surrounded by his fiancée, key team members, and NASCAR President Steve Phelps, Suárez took the emotional oath of allegiance, a proof of his commitment to his new homeland. This milestone highlights Suárez’s remarkable path from a promising talent in Mexico to a celebrated racer in America and emphasizes his steadfast resolve and resilience.
Key Highlights
- Daniel Suárez became a U.S. citizen at a naturalization ceremony with 48 other candidates from 28 countries.
- NASCAR President Steve Phelps presented Suárez with his citizenship certificate.
- Suárez’s fiancée and Trackhouse Racing representatives attended to support him at the ceremony.
- President Joe Biden sent a video message congratulating Suárez and other new citizens.
- Suárez’s journey to citizenship highlights his perseverance and dedication to achieving the American dream.
Daniel Suárez Becomes a U.S. Citizen
Daniel Suárez, the celebrated Mexican-born NASCAR driver, marked an emotional and momentous milestone on Tuesday by officially becoming a United States citizen during a naturalization ceremony held at the Charlotte field office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The ceremony was a profound experience for Suárez, who joined 48 other candidates from 28 countries in taking the traditional oath of allegiance. This act signified not only a legal transformation but also a deeply personal passage of belonging and identity.
The event was organized with the precision typical of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, resulting in the presentation of citizenship certificates. NASCAR President Steve Phelps had the distinguished honor of presenting these certificates to the new citizens, adding significance to the ceremony for Suárez, who has been a prominent figure in the NASCAR community for over a decade. His racing career in the U.S. has been marked by perseverance and passion, qualities that surely fueled his path to citizenship.
For Suárez, the moment was more than a procedural formality; it was a heartfelt affirmation of his connection to his adopted country. He expressed a newfound reverence for the American national anthem, a symbol that now resonates with him on a more profound level.
Suárez came to America 12 years ago to follow his dream of a racing career. On Tuesday, he took an important step in his journey in the United States. As a driver for Trackhouse Racing, he has always celebrated his Mexican culture. Now, he also has a new anthem that he can call his own.
“It is different because now I feel like I have a little bit of a part in it. I don’t know if that makes sense. I don’t know, but it does feel a little bit different. It’s almost like, OK, now that’s part of myself.” – (Suárez)
Support and Recognition at the Ceremony
Surrounded by an outpouring of support, Daniel Suárez was accompanied by his fiancée, Julia Piquet, and key representatives from Trackhouse Racing, including president Ty Norris, during the naturalization ceremony. This momentous occasion was further highlighted by the presence of NASCAR President Steve Phelps, who delivered a heartfelt keynote address. Phelps’ attendance was an unexpected yet deeply touching gesture, highlighting the profound respect and admiration Suárez has garnered within the NASCAR community.
In his speech, Phelps praised Suárez’s indomitable spirit and remarkable achievements. He traced Suárez’s path from the NASCAR Mexico Series to his historic win in the NASCAR Cup Series, where Suárez became the inaugural Mexico native to claim victory in 2022. Phelps emphasized that Suárez’s success was not simply a personal accomplishment but a source of inspiration for aspiring drivers worldwide. His words resonated deeply with attendees, summarizes the essence of Suárez’s path and the resilience that has defined his trajectory.
“I’ve known about this for a couple of months, and it was a surprise, so Daniel was unaware of this.”
“But when the Trackhouse folks asked me to do it, I was absolutely thrilled. So, it means a lot to me, and Daniel and I have a special relationship, and to see him fulfill a dream to become a U.S. citizen, I just feel honored I was here.” – (phelps)
Adding to the significance of the event, President Joe Biden addressed the new citizens through a poignant video message. In his remarks, Biden acknowledged the courage and contributions of the new Americans, highlighting the diversity that strengthens the nation. This message of unity and recognition reinforced the emotional atmosphere, serving as a reminder of the broader implications of Suárez’s personal achievement.
Suárez’s Journey to NASCAR and American Citizenship
Driven by a relentless passion for racing, Daniel Suárez set out on his path to NASCAR and American citizenship at the tender age of 19, leaving behind his native Monterrey, Mexico. With dreams as vast as the open tracks he aspired to conquer, Suárez initiated a journey marked by resolve and resilience. His initial entry into the American racing scene began in the ARCA Menards Series East, where his raw talent quickly became evident.
Navigating the complexities of a new culture and language, Suárez faced significant challenges. Learning English was imperative, not only for effective communication with his team and sponsors but also to connect with a rising fanbase. These linguistic hurdles, however, did not deter him. Instead, they fueled his drive to succeed, showcasing his adaptability and willingness to welcome every aspect of his new environment.
Within five years, Suárez’s hard work bore fruit as he clinched the Xfinity Series championship, a milestone that propelled him into the NASCAR Cup Series. His progression through the ranks saw him compete for three different teams, each stint contributing to his growth and expertise in his initial four seasons. Ultimately, he found a home at Trackhouse Racing, where his skills and experience were honed to a fine edge.
In 2022, Suárez became the first person from Mexico to win a Cup Series race. He is now in his fourth year driving the team’s No. 99 Chevrolet, which was showcased in the USCIS parking lot on Tuesday.
Reflections on the American Dream
In reflecting on his remarkable venture, Suárez views his successes in both NASCAR and American citizenship as quintessential expressions of the American dream. Born in Monterrey, Mexico, Suárez’s path from humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated NASCAR driver and U.S. citizen exemplifies the power of hard work, discipline, and seizing opportunities. Growing up in a modest family environment with limited resources, Suárez always harbored dreams of racing. His resolve to pursue these dreams led him to the United States, where he faced numerous challenges but ultimately succeeded.
“Honestly, a lot of people have been telling me that, and I don’t like to brag or anything like that, but I feel like it is. If you think about it, I came from a family with no money, I grew up in a small house, it was five of us with a two-bedroom apartment, a two-bedroom house with one bathroom. Like I grew up in a very humble family and a lot of people don’t know all the details, but to come here from being in Mexico, going to public school in Mexico and not having really much money, and coming here without speaking English, with not having the contacts, not having really the racing background, and being able to learn the language, making it to Drive 4 Diversity, racing in NASCAR, win races, win a championship and make it to the top of NASCAR in a sport that 15 years ago, every person that I knew, they were telling me that there was no way, that it was a very American sport. I feel like it is, and hopefully I can bring awareness to people to not let anyone tell you can’t.” – (Suárez)
Suárez’s journey to citizenship has been unique. He talked about the different U.S. visas he had to apply for, up to getting his green card, and the effort required to get them. He studied hard for his citizenship test, and he found learning about the USA’s purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803 especially interesting.
“Honestly, being part of this journey in the last few years has really taught me a lot. I really hope that a lot of people have the experiences and the opportunity to go through something like this, because it really teaches you a lot of things in life. I feel that I won’t take this for granted. Maybe some people take some things for granted, and for me, I will never take this for granted because I know how much it cost me to get here and to get these opportunities and to be able to work hard and to be part of this group of people that they were able to accomplish the same thing that I did is very special.” – (Suárez)
The essence of Suárez’s experience can be represented in three key facets: perseverance, opportunity, and inspiration. These elements not only drove his professional and personal successes but also highlight the broader narrative of the American dream. Suárez’s story serves as a guiding light for many, particularly those from his home country, showing that with dedication and perseverance, even the loftiest dreams are attainable.
“I just hope that this is the beginning of something great, and I can be the example for many people from my country, South America, Europe, you name it, Asia, to come to this country, to work hard, to be disciplined and to do things the right way, because in my mind, if you do all these things right, there is no question you’re going to be successful.” – (Suárez)
Future Goals and Community Engagement
As Daniel Suárez looks to the future, he is determined to utilize his newfound citizenship to further engage with his community and influence positive change both on and off the racetrack. Suárez’s immediate plans include registering to vote, a symbolic and practical step that highlights his commitment to participating fully in American civic life. This decision represents his steadfast dedication to his racing career with Trackhouse Racing.
As he prepares for the upcoming Chicago Street Course Weekend, Suárez’s focus remains sharp on achieving excellence on the track. However, his ambitions extend beyond personal victories; he is keen on leveraging his platform to inspire and encourage others, particularly within the Mexican-American community. His path from Monterrey, Mexico, to becoming a prominent figure in NASCAR serves as a powerful narrative of perseverance and the rewards of diligent effort.
Suárez and Trackhouse are organizing the biggest gathering of his “Daniel’s Amigos” community before NASCAR’s second annual Chicago Street Course on July 6-7.
“Super excited for that. I’m sure that I’m going to be talking a lot about what happened today,” Suárez said. “I’m sure a lot of people there are Mexican-Americans, and there’s a lot of people there that are looking forward to one day having an oath ceremony like the one I had today. So hopefully I can inspire some people and push them to do things the right way.” – (suarez)
In addition to his racing commitments, Suárez is actively seeking ways to engage with his community. His plans include participation in local events and initiatives that promote civic responsibility and community solidarity. By sharing his story and experiences, Suárez aims to motivate others to pursue their dreams with resilience and integrity. His engagement is not merely a symbol but a genuine effort to give back and foster a sense of belonging and empowerment among his supporters and beyond.
News in Brief: Daniel Suárez Becomes US Citizen
The naturalization of Daniel Suárez stands as a tribute to his relentless dedication and adaptability, in his professional racing career and personal life. Surrounded by key figures from his support network, the ceremony highlighted his commitment to civic duty and community engagement.
Suárez’s odyssey represents the American dream, serving as a powerful inspiration to individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue their aspirations with steadfast resolve and resilience. His future endeavors will without a doubt continue to reflect these values.
ALSO READ: Daniel Suarez’s Honest Admission Impacts Kyle Larson at Iowa
