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 sequence 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 sequence’ involvement this weekend couldn’t be understated.
“If there was no NASCAR Mexico, there could be no Daniel Suarez within the Cup Sequence,” he stated. “It is a large 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 sequence is being placed on a really large stage.”
Daniel Suarez, Trackhouse Racing, Freeway.com Chevrolet Camaro
Photograph by: Matthew T. Thacker / NKP / Motorsport Photographs
It’s a stage the 32-year-old native of Monterrey, Mexico, is blissful 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 sequence race in 2016 along with his Xfinity Sequence victory at Michigan, has grow to be synonymous with NASCAR’s variety efforts lately.
However he additionally by no means stops in search of to problem himself and at all times needs to enhance.
After ending a career-best tenth within the sequence standings in 2022 and profitable his first Cup race, Suarez dropped nineteenth final 12 months and did not garner a win.
Though solely an exhibition, Suarez stated he’s anxious to get again behind the wheel of his No. 99 Chevrolet to start out the brand new season, which additionally consists of the addition of recent crew chief Matt Swiderski, former competitors director at Kaulig Racing.
“Though we didn’t verify off a variety of objectives (final 12 months), I’m extraordinarily excited in regards to the new 12 months,” Suarez stated. “We did a variety 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 superb about it. I believe all of the work goes to repay this 12 months.”
Suarez stated he has spent a variety of time with Swiderski for the reason that crew chief change was introduced.
“We’ve been working to know one another. To this point, I’ve been nothing however impressed. I believe Matt is a really, very proficient crew chief.”
Suarez has made no secret of his affinity for the sort 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 received 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 increasingly 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 infrequently.
“Final 12 months we put ourselves in place (to win) a couple of instances, however you received’t be capable to win a championship like that and also you received’t be capable to win races on a constant foundation like that. If you wish to win three to 5 races a 12 months, there’s no method.
“I believe Trackhouse undoubtedly needs extra, and we’ve labored onerous within the offseason to enhance.”
