NASCAR driver Daniel Suárez: Overcoming Obstacles and Inspiring Representation
As the first Mexican-born NASCAR driver to win a Cup Series race, Daniel Suárez has dedicated his career to defying expectations, taking charge of his own path, and proving he belongs in a sport where few share his background.
Before becoming a NASCAR star, Suárez was just a young boy from Monterrey, Mexico, chasing his dream by racing go-karts with tires that had been reused.
Breaking barriers as the first Mexican-born NASCAR driver to claim a Cup Series victory, Suárez has consistently silenced doubters while forging his own destiny.
“We really had to overcome all the odds because becoming a race car driver, especially as a kid racing go-karts, is very expensive,” Suárez shared.
Suárez surpassed every expectation—climbing the ranks, learning English, and ultimately making history as the first Mexican-born driver to win a national NASCAR title before advancing to the prestigious Cup Series.
“When I entered the sport, about 80% of people told me that a Mexican driver in the Cup Series wasn’t possible. That only motivated me. I wanted to turn the impossible into reality and make it the norm,” Suárez explained.
Through his fan program, Daniel’s Amigos, he is helping bring more Latinos into NASCAR, creating a sense of belonging and representation in the sport.
“I wanted them to feel welcome, and at the same time, I wanted to feel at home with them there,” he said.
One fan, Rosemary Cerda, shared her admiration for Suárez and his efforts.
“I just love him,” Cerda said. “He has brought so much of the Latino community into NASCAR. There are so many more fans now than before.”
Another longtime fan, Shirley Kirouac, recalled the moment she first saw Suárez race.
“The first day I saw him on TV, I said, ‘That’s my man,’ and he’s been my man ever since,” Kirouac said.
This Sunday, Suárez will compete in the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
“I read a book the other day that said, ‘Have the confidence of a five-year-old wearing a Batman T-shirt,’ and I love that,” Suárez shared.
Suárez is aiming for another major victory at the Pennzoil 400, which kicks off at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.
