Daniel Suarez making history for Mexico in NASCAR has become the headline event at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez this weekend, as immense crowds gather in Mexico City to support him during the NASCAR Cup Series race. The weekend marks a significant moment not only for Suarez as the country‘s sole Cup Series driver, but also for the sport as it expands its reach and celebrates Mexican talent on an international stage.
Suarez Takes Center Stage in Mexico City
While Chase Elliott is usually recognized as NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver, this week Daniel Suarez has stolen the spotlight, drawing non-stop media coverage and the attention of local fans. Suarez has been surrounded by supporters and journalists since he arrived, with anticipation building as he prepares to compete in the No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Team Chevrolet in front of his home crowd. A victory on Sunday would be a milestone—his greatest yet—further uplifting his status in the motorsports world.
The level of excitement has exceeded even Suarez’s expectations.
“Man, it’s very hard to put into words,”
said Suarez about the experience so far.
“I had an expectation on the hype of the people and energy and the fans coming and the media, you guys. The entire week and weekend now, it has exceed every single expectation that I had. For that I want to say thank you to you guys.”
—Daniel Suarez, NASCAR Driver
From a fan’s perspective, Suarez has been living what he describes as a dream. Racing on home soil brings a sense of fulfilment and belonging, and for Suarez, it has felt like a long-awaited opportunity.
“This event I feel like it hasn’t even started yet, and it has been — I’ve been living a dream. That’s exactly what has been happening for me the last few days. I feel very blessed, very happy to be here racing in front of you guys. I feel that finally I was able to drive the car, not just talk about it. I feel really a fish in the water. Hopefully I ask just continue to have fun and continue to enjoy this moment. We’re making history right now together. Not just NASCAR, not just me, but the entire country of Mexico.”
—Daniel Suarez, NASCAR Driver
Celebrating Cultural Connections and NASCAR’s Growth
Suarez has described the occasion as a unique example of collaboration between the United States and Mexico, with partnerships promoting both NASCAR and the Mexico Series.
“This is something very special, and it’s also a very good example when these two countries work together, the sky is the limit. I think that it’s a great example of the work that NASCAR and Mexico Series and all the promoters have been doing together.”
—Daniel Suarez, NASCAR Driver
To mark the weekend, Suarez is set to wear a custom-designed helmet, reflecting the importance of the event to him and his supporters. Everywhere he goes, fans trail closely, eager for photographs and autographs, contributing to an atmosphere more commonly seen during major national festivities. His enthusiasm is apparent as he embraces the overwhelming support:
“I’m like a kid on Christmas,”
added Suarez, who welcomes the enthusiastic fans with open arms.
“That’s why you guys see me with a smile pretty much everywhere I go. It’s been a blast so far. Like I said, this is just getting started. This is only the first day of the weekend.”
—Daniel Suarez, NASCAR Driver
Encouraging Greater Diversity in Motorsport
For Suarez, the significance of the event extends beyond personal success; he views this as an opportunity to advocate for more inclusion within NASCAR. Drawing from his own experiences as a dual citizen of Mexico and the United States—he passed his citizenship exam last year—Suarez is calling for increased Latino participation, both on and off the track.
“I think that this is very important to continue to grow the diversity in the sport, and we need more people from Mexico,”
said Suarez.
“We need more Latinos in the sport. Not just drivers, everything across the board. Hopefully this race really opens the eyes for many young guys or girls that want to do something in NASCAR in the U.S.”
—Daniel Suarez, NASCAR Driver
Currently, Andres Perez De Lara is the only other full-time Mexican driver in the three national NASCAR series, competing in the Truck Series. Suarez’s achievements and presence on the roster serve as motivation for aspiring racers and highlight NASCAR’s ongoing efforts to foster diversity within their ranks.
The Wider Impact in Mexico and NASCAR
Beyond Suarez, the atmosphere at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez has attracted international attention, with notable moments such as Todd Gilliland setting the fastest lap during practice and Shane van Gisbergen sharing his unique perspective on racing conditions. The event is a blend of competition, cultural pride, and sporting ambition, making it a pivotal stop on the Cup Series calendar.
As crowds continue to gather, Daniel Suarez remains the central figure driving excitement and unity among fans. His journey illustrates the power of representation and underscores the bright future for Mexican drivers in NASCAR, as both the sport and country celebrate this historic moment together.
