Daniel Suarez wins NASCAR Xfinity race in Mexico after charging from the back of the field to capture a dramatic victory at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, thrilling home fans and inspiring fellow Monterrey native Pato O’Ward. The rain-soaked and unpredictable event saw Suarez overcome setbacks, while O’Ward celebrated his compatriot’s achievement and voiced hopes for more major races in Mexico in the years to come.
Suarez Rises from Last to First for Historic Finish
Daniel Suarez began the Xfinity race in a difficult position, starting 39th in a backup car after a crash during qualifying practice left him needing a replacement vehicle. Despite these challenges, the Mexican driver powered forward through the field, climbing into contention as the laps ticked by. On the restart for the final stage, Suarez moved up to fourth, and in a bold move, surged to the front by diving three-wide into the first turn. Apart from a brief incident involving Taylor Gray, Suarez maintained composure in the rain-affected contest and crossed the finish line first for JR Motorsports, securing a landmark win in his homeland.
Pato O’Ward’s Emotional Reaction to Suarez’s Triumph
Pato O’Ward, a standout IndyCar driver from Monterrey, was competing at WWT Raceway in Madison, Illinois, when he heard about Suarez’s momentous victory in Mexico. O’Ward’s excitement was palpable as he publicly backed his fellow Mexican racer.
“He won? Vamos! I’m super happy for him,”
the Arrow McLaren driver told reporter Christopher DeHarde.
“Hopefully, he can win tomorrow in Cup as well.”
—Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren driver
Back in Mexico City, Suarez was deeply moved by his result, especially as he triumphed in front of a passionate crowd at the iconic Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. He opened up about the significance of winning at home after years abroad.
“I left my country 10 years ago to follow my dreams and pursue a career in NASCAR. I have never felt anything like this,”
he said, via Reuters. —Daniel Suarez, NASCAR driver
NASCAR’s Expansion Rekindles IndyCar Rivalry
The announcement by NASCAR in August 2024 that it would bring its series to Mexico from 2025 stirred strong reactions in the racing world. Pato O’Ward expressed clear frustration—though not directed at NASCAR itself—but at IndyCar for letting its rival series beat it to the Mexican market. Ahead of the 2025 IndyCar season, O’Ward had even discussed the possibility of entering that weekend’s NASCAR Xfinity race in Mexico City. However, with IndyCar’s own race in St. Louis clashing with NASCAR’s Mexico event, O’Ward was unable to compete on home soil, but reiterated that his primary commitment remains with IndyCar.
The timing of the two series’ schedules and the scramble for home-fan engagement in Mexico highlights the growing competition between NASCAR and IndyCar, as both seek to capture the hearts of the region’s vibrant racing fanbase.
O’Ward Confident IndyCar’s Mexico Return Is Near
Negotiations between IndyCar and Mexico City promoters have been progressing, and Pato O’Ward remains optimistic about the chances of the series returning to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in the near future. Sharing his perspective after Suarez’s stirring win, O’Ward shared his outlook on Mexico’s place in IndyCar’s future.
“I think it’s super close to happening. I mean, that question is above…I am just a racing driver. I think it’s gonna happen, I really hope it happens. I think talks are going on, so I’m being faithful that it’s gonna happen,”
he told DeHarde. —Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren driver
IndyCar last raced in Mexico in 2007, and its most recent international outing outside Canada came at the Sao Paulo Indy 300 in 2013. O’Ward’s involvement on the international racing scene will continue, as his F1 reserve duties with McLaren include participating in the first practice session of the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix in October.
Looking Ahead to More Milestones for Mexican Drivers
With his No. 5 Chevy, Pato O’Ward qualified third for the weekend’s Bommarito Automotive Group 500, aiming for his first win of the current IndyCar season during Sunday’s primetime race. Meanwhile, Daniel Suarez’s emotional and historic NASCAR Xfinity win has reinforced the significance of top-level motorsport events in Mexico, sparking further anticipation for international racing stars to shine on Mexican circuits in the coming years.
