Suarez, the primary Mexican-born Cup Sequence winner, is competing within the non-points NASCAR Mexico invitational occasion held previous to Sunday’s Conflict. Each collection hit the non permanent ¼-mile paved oval for the primary time on Saturday.
At a Fox Sports activities information convention Friday on the Coliseum, Suarez stated the significance of the Mexico’s collection’ involvement this weekend couldn’t be understated.
“If there was no NASCAR Mexico, there can be no Daniel Suarez within the Cup Sequence,” he stated. “This can be a huge deal. Some individuals perceive that. Some individuals don’t. However I do as a result of I used to be a part of that.
“This collection is being placed on a really huge stage.”
Daniel Suarez, Trackhouse Racing, Freeway.com Chevrolet Camaro
Picture by: Matthew T. Thacker / NKP / Motorsport Images
It’s a stage the 32-year-old native of Monterrey, Mexico, is joyful to share this weekend.
Suarez, who debuted in NASCAR competitors in Mexico in 2009 and have become the primary Mexican-born driver to win a NASCAR nationwide collection race in 2016 together with his Xfinity Sequence victory at Michigan, has turn into synonymous with NASCAR’s range efforts in recent times.
However he additionally by no means stops looking for to problem himself and at all times needs to enhance.
After ending a career-best tenth within the collection standings in 2022 and profitable his first Cup race, Suarez dropped nineteenth final yr and didn’t garner a win.
Though solely an exhibition, Suarez stated he’s anxious to get again behind the wheel of his No. 99 Chevrolet to begin the brand new season, which additionally contains the addition of latest crew chief Matt Swiderski, former competitors director at Kaulig Racing.
“Though we didn’t test off a number of targets (final yr), I’m extraordinarily excited concerning the new yr,” Suarez stated. “We did a number of work on the No. 99 within the offseason as you guys noticed and I’m very excited to see the place we’re at.
“I’m not going to say something (an excessive amount of) however I really feel excellent about it. I believe all of the work goes to repay this yr.”
Suarez stated he has spent a number of time with Swiderski because the crew chief change was introduced.
“We’ve been working to grasp one another. Thus far, I’ve been nothing however impressed. I believe Matt is a really, very gifted crew chief.”
Suarez has made no secret of his affinity for the type of group crew co-owner Justin Marks was constructing when Suarez first arrived in 2021.
In its comparatively brief tenure, three drivers – Suarez, Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen – have gained Cup races. Trackhouse lately added former Truck champion Zane Smith to its roster, who will compete in 2024 with Spire Motorsports.
As well as, the group has additionally entered Moto GP, fielding a two-rider crew on Aprilia’s RS-GP.
With all of the additions additionally come extra expectations.
“The corporate is rising and we’re getting an increasing number of hungry for victories and championships,” Suarez stated. “It’s crucial to have individuals on groups that may carry out and win races and never simply every now and then.
“Final yr we put ourselves in place (to win) just a few occasions, however you gained’t be capable to win a championship like that and also you gained’t be capable to win races on a constant foundation like that. If you wish to win three to 5 races a yr, there’s no method.
“I believe Trackhouse undoubtedly needs extra, and we’ve labored arduous within the offseason to enhance.”
