Ryan Blaney, the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion, has established a personal guideline for the upcoming race in Mexico City: avoid any incident with Daniel Suarez, the beloved local driver. As the Cup and Xfinity Series arrive at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Blaney’s “do not wreck Daniel Suarez” rule reflects both strategic caution and the intense crowd support expected for Suarez during this highly anticipated event.
Blaney Aims to Avoid Conflict with Suarez Before Mexican Crowd
NASCAR’s venture into Mexico this weekend brings together top racers, including Mexican standout Daniel Suarez of Trackhouse Racing, who will be performing in front of a home audience. Fans are expected to rally behind Suarez, elevating the stakes for both the competition and the atmosphere. Blaney, representing Team Penske, emphasized his determination to avoid controversy by steering clear of jeopardizing Suarez’s race, especially given the fervor of local supporters.
Ryan Blaney shared his perspective with SiriusXM:
“My one rule for this weekend, I have one rule – do not, by any circumstances, wreck Daniel Suarez this weekend,”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series Champion. Recognizing Suarez as the national favorite, Blaney highlighted the unique pressure of competing at an international venue where local loyalties can shift the mood of the event dramatically.
Racing Strategy Shaped by Local Loyalty in Mexico City
Further clarifying his stance, Blaney remarked,
“That is the only rule that I have because I would get just booed out of the stadium. You couldn’t get to the bus fast enough.”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series Champion. He acknowledged the risks of being perceived as the villain should an incident occur with Suarez, indicating that the home crowd’s reactions are a significant factor in his approach for the race.
Blaney also stated,
“Do not wreck the hometown guy, the national driver. So that’s my only rule.”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series Champion. To keep tensions low and avoid becoming a target of fan disapproval, Blaney explained his willingness to give Suarez space on the track, even at the expense of on-track competitiveness. He went on,
“Daniel, I’m going to be an easy pass if you’re around me, if you’re listening,”
—Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series Champion, reinforcing that his usual racing aggression would be tempered out of respect for Suarez’s position as the crowd favorite.
Blaney acknowledged the pressure, stating plainly that he did not want to risk alienating Mexican fans by causing an incident with Suarez. The race, set against the energy of the Mexico City crowd, becomes more than just a battle for points; it’s a matter of maintaining sportsmanship and reputation in a unique environment.
Implications for NASCAR and Its Athletes in Mexico City
With NASCAR expanding its reach and bringing its premier events to international locations, drivers must navigate not just the track but also the expectations of a passionate foreign audience. The dynamic between Ryan Blaney and Daniel Suarez highlights how local supporters can influence racing strategies and interpersonal conduct among competitors. As the event progresses, how drivers respond to these pressures could shape both their personal reputations and NASCAR’s standing with fans beyond the United States. The Mexico City race is set to test not just driver skill but also adaptability and sensitivity to global fan culture.
