NASCAR, perhaps, is one of the most misunderstood sports of all time. For the most part, people believe that NASCAR drivers either have to be rich or backed by a racing family to make it into the premier division of stock car racing. Basically, from an established American household or a family. While this might be true for the drivers who do end up finding a spot on the field on the weekends, this notion isn’t entirely true.

Here’s a look at prominent NASCAR stars who have had a successful career despite sharing non-American cultural roots.

What is Kyle Larson’s ethnicity? Yung Money’s American-Japanese ancestry

Hendrick Motorsports star Kyle Larson is arguably the face of NASCAR racing in the modern era. While he has yet to reach the heights of legendary drivers like Dale Earnhardt Sr., Jeff Gordon, or Jimmie Johnson, he certainly is on the right path. Having bagged a Cup Series title and notched up race wins for fun, Larson is one of those gems who seems to be cut out, especially for racing.

But did you know, apart from being the poster boy for NASCAR, the Elk Grove native also happens to be Japanese American? Now do not bombard his social media feed with questions in Japanese, as he can’t speak a word of it. Larson’s Japanese roots can be traced to his mother, Janet. During World War II, her parents spent time in a Japanese internment camp.

Although the driver doesn’t speak about it much, he certainly has helped diversify the sport since his arrival. “I do feel like I’m making some sort of an impact. I’ve noticed more Asians at the racetracks these days than when I started.” Unlike the majority of NASCAR drivers in the modern era, Kyle Larson came from a working household, and his racecraft, skill, and dedication to his craft have helped him garner all the love and support he enjoys today.

What is Daniel Suarez’s ethnicity? Meet the first Mexican-turned-American NASCAR driver?

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Next in line, we have our very own amigo of NASCAR, Daniel Suarez. He is the first Mexican-born driver to win a NASCAR National Series championship. While NASCAR fans have taken their time to completely welcome him to the sport, he is now a household name. Breaking on the Cup Series stage, he doesn’t shy away from his Mexican roots as he smashes a taco piñata after his race wins.

He has driven his way up to the Cup Series level and is now a seasoned driver representing Trackhouse Racing in the No. 99 car. “I sincerely feel very proud and happy to be in this position, representing Latin America in the great sport of NASCAR. It’s a great honor to be a Mexican in the top category of NASCAR. It has been a long journey, but I am very happy and proud to be in this position.” Suarez said this while speaking to Hola.

It has to be noted that Suarez was confirmed as a U.S. citizen this year. So now, he’s not only Amigo but also a Cowboy, and that certainly has a nice ring to it.

What is Brad Keselowski’s ethnicity? The Michigan resident with Polish ancestry

Brad Keselowski is one of the most respected NASCAR drivers in the Cup garage. He is one of the rare breed of drivers who not only excelled as a racer but also as a team owner. While a lot has changed in the sport, Keselowski has always stuck by Ford and has been loyal to their race program. As it turns out, it’s something that runs with his family, and it started when his grandfather migrated to the United States in the hopes of finding a job at a Ford factory.

The veteran driver took a stroll down memory lane while speaking with Stapleton42 and revealed his family’s background. “My family, obviously a Polish descent family, immigrated and came here to work for Henry Ford. That’s how they got to the Detroit area, and Rochester Hills is a suburb of Detroit. World War II broke out, some different things happened, and they actually moved up here to the suburbs because my grandfather was a drill bit maker.”

Now, Brad’s father was a racer, which saw him gravitate towards the love of race cars. A young Brad Keselowski would often spend time helping his father at the garage. Moreover, being exposed to NASCAR racing further sparked his desire to follow in his father’s footsteps. He even vividly remembers watching the 1992 championship race. “We had one chair, a couch, and a little bit of floor space. My spot was on the floor, right in front of the TV. I remember watching the ’92 championship race right there on that floor.”

It is fair to say that Brad Keselowski exceeded expectations throughout his racing career. A veteran of the sport, he is now a perfect role model for young and upcoming drivers.