This excerpt discusses the emergence of young driver Andrés Perez de Lara and parallels drawn with Daniel Suarez, highlighting their paths within NASCAR.
Intriguing narratives often unfold when drivers from outside the United States enter NASCAR. While few have succeeded, Daniel Suarez, the only Mexican-born driver to secure a Cup Series victory, stands out. He’s also a former Xfinity Series champion. Now, it seems NASCAR may have unearthed another talent following a similar trajectory.
Daniel Suarez’s NASCAR journey commenced years ago within the Drive for Diversity program. He transitioned through the NASCAR Toyota Series in Mexico and the K&N Pro Series before becoming a full-time competitor for Trackhouse Racing in the Cup Series.
In a strikingly similar trajectory, 18-year-old Andres Perez de Lara seems poised to tread a path akin to Daniel Suarez. Perez recently announced his participation with Rev Racing in the 2024 ARCA Menards Series under NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program. With an impressive track record, expectations soar for this young racer.
Perez’s standout 2023 season, notably in the ARCA Menards Series, boasted 10 top-5 finishes and a second-place overall ranking. He was also honored as the Rookie of the Year in the 2023 NASCAR Mexico Series and secured the 2022 NASCAR Mexico Challenge championship.
His accomplishments echo those of compatriot Daniel Suarez. Suarez, before joining the Xfinity Series full-time in 2015, also raced for Rev Racing, albeit in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East. His final year in the competition saw him clinch two race victories.
Suarez’s prowess was evident in the 2014 NASCAR Mexico Series, claiming victory in 5 out of 15 races. Swiftly transitioning to the Xfinity Series in 2015, he secured the championship in 2016 after winning three races.
Perez, like Suarez, stands at the cusp of catching the attention of NASCAR’s higher echelons. His stellar 2023 performance positions him as a prospect that teams may find enticing for the future.
Away from the track, Daniel Suarez was among the NASCAR drivers attending the recent Las Vegas Grand Prix. Interestingly, he may soon be connected to one of Formula One’s dominant figures.
Engaged to Julia Piquet, daughter of 3-time F1 World Champion Nelson Piquet, Suarez might soon become related to Max Verstappen, the reigning F1 World Champion. Suarez was at the Las Vegas strip to extend luck to his “amigo,” Verstappen. He shared a photo with the F1 star on social media, wishing him success.
While Daniel Suarez’s 2023 season lacked luster, failing to secure a playoff spot, the 31-year-old remains determined to kickstart a better campaign in 2024.
ALSO READ: Driver for Diversity Program: NASCAR’s Inclusive Journey and Talent Impact
