Daniel Suárez Bio
Early Life and Background
Daniel Alejandro Suárez Garza was born on January 7, 1992, in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. Growing up in a family that supported his passion for racing, Suárez began his journey in karting at the age of 10. He quickly progressed through the ranks, showcasing his talent and determination. His early exposure to racing laid the foundation for a successful career in motorsports.
Suárez’s formative years in karting culminated in a championship win in 2007. He then transitioned to the NASCAR Mexico Series, where he made a name for himself as a young and promising driver. His dedication to the sport and competitive spirit propelled him into the spotlight, leading to opportunities in various racing series.
Path to NASCAR
Suárez’s racing career took off in 2010 when he won the Rookie of the Year title in the NASCAR Corona Series. This achievement marked the beginning of his ascent in the world of stock car racing. In 2011, he participated in the Toyota All-Star Showdown, finishing as the highest-placing Mexican driver.
By 2013, Suárez was competing full-time in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, where he secured his first victory at Columbus Motor Speedway. His success in the series earned him a spot in NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, further enhancing his visibility and opportunities within the sport. In 2015, he joined Joe Gibbs Racing, where he would compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, setting the stage for his breakout season.
Daniel Suárez Career
Early Career (2002–2015)
Suárez began his professional racing career in karting in 2002 and quickly advanced to the NASCAR Mexico Series, where he won the Rookie of the Year title in 2010. His early years were marked by consistent performances and a growing reputation as a talented driver. In 2015, he made his debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, where he finished fifth in points and won the Rookie of the Year title.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Breakthrough (2016)
In 2016, Suárez made history by becoming the first foreign-born driver to win a major NASCAR National Series championship, clinching the NASCAR Xfinity Series title. He won his first race at Michigan International Speedway, overtaking Kyle Busch on the final lap. Suárez’s remarkable season included multiple wins and a dominant performance in the championship race at Homestead, solidifying his status as a rising star in NASCAR.
NASCAR Cup Series Era (2017–Present)
Suárez transitioned to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2017, taking over the No. 19 car for Joe Gibbs Racing. His first race was the prestigious Daytona 500, where he finished 8th. Over the years, he faced challenges but continued to improve, achieving his first Cup Series victory at Sonoma in 2022, making him the first Mexican-born driver to win in the series. In 2024, he added a second Cup Series win at Atlanta, with a thrilling finish that was one of the closest in history.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Suárez is known for his aggressive driving style and strategic racecraft. His ability to adapt to different track conditions and his strong communication with his team have contributed to his success in the NASCAR Cup Series. As a driver, he consistently demonstrates resilience and determination, making him a formidable competitor on the track.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Suárez’s career is highlighted by significant milestones, including his historic Xfinity Series championship in 2016 and his Cup Series victories in 2022 and 2024. He has also earned accolades such as the NASCAR Corona Series Rookie of the Year and the NASCAR Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year, showcasing his talent across multiple racing series.
Daniel Suárez Career Wins
Suárez has achieved notable success across various NASCAR series, with a total of two wins in the NASCAR Cup Series and multiple victories in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and NASCAR Mexico Series.
Current NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
As of 2024, Suárez has secured two wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, with his first victory coming at the Toyota/Save Mart 350 in 2022 and his second at the Ambetter Health 400 in 2024. His performances have positioned him as a competitive driver in the series, with aspirations for further success in the coming seasons.
Previous NASCAR Series Achievements
In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Suárez won the championship in 2016 and achieved multiple race wins, solidifying his reputation as a top driver in the series. He also has a victory in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, showcasing his versatility across different racing platforms.
Daniel Suárez Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Suárez is married to Julia Piquet, the daughter of three-time Formula 1 World Champion Nelson Piquet. This connection to a prominent racing family highlights his deep ties to the motorsports community.
Personal Life
Residing in Huntersville, North Carolina, Suárez has embraced his dual citizenship in Mexico and the United States, having completed the Oath of Allegiance in 2024. His personal journey reflects his commitment to both his heritage and his career in American motorsports.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a challenging one for Suárez, marked by a mix of promising performances and setbacks. He started the season with a thirteenth-place finish in the Daytona 500 but faced difficulties in subsequent races, including a wreck at Atlanta that resulted in a 33rd-place finish. Despite these challenges, he managed to secure a second-place finish at Las Vegas, demonstrating his potential for strong results. As the season progresses, Suárez and his team are focused on improving their consistency and making a push for the playoffs.
