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NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Qualifying Mar 11, 2023 Avondale, Arizona, USA NASCAR Cup Series driver Daniel Suarez 99 during qualifying for the United Rentals Work United 500 at Phoenix Raceway. Avondale Phoenix Raceway Arizona USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xGaryxA.xVasquezx 20230311_gav_sv5_009
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1025607317h.jpg)
via Imago
NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Qualifying Mar 11, 2023 Avondale, Arizona, USA NASCAR Cup Series driver Daniel Suarez 99 during qualifying for the United Rentals Work United 500 at Phoenix Raceway. Avondale Phoenix Raceway Arizona USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xGaryxA.xVasquezx 20230311_gav_sv5_009
Daniel Suarez recently made his mark by winning the King Taco La Batalla en El Coliseo. He made some heads turn, especially on his native Mexican turf, and also among American fans. After this spectacular start to the 2024 season, you would expect Suarez to keep rocking it on the racetrack. However, Denny Hamlin harbors some doubts regarding the Mexican-born driver.
Suarez has been a part of Trackhouse Racing since 2021 and is slated to enter his fourth season this year. In 2022, he clinched his first Cup Series victory at the Sonoma Raceway and qualified for the postseason grid for the first time. He could not pull off an impressive show in 2023, though, as he finished 19th in points. That is why Hamlin is apprehensive about Suarez’s growth this year.
Denny Hamlin thinks Suarez should take it easy this year
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A brilliant performance is always the result of a perfect balance between hard work and confidence. But working too hard may work against a good outcome at times. Denny Hamlin thinks the same about Suarez. In an episode of his podcast ‘Actions Detrimental’, Hamlin broke down how he thinks Suarez will fare in 2024.
Firstly, he talked about Trackhouse Racing’s unique situation. “Trackhouse has got a lot going on, for sure. Obviously, they’ve signed more seats than what they got,” said the JGR driver, pointing at the fact that Trackhouse made deals with Zane Smith and Shane van Ginsberg despite only having 2 charters, that are already occupied by Ross Chastain and Suarez.
Hamlin then goes on to analyze Suarez’s predicament. “Certainly, the focus would be on the 99 to improve the 19th. I think the numbers are pretty close to right, but I’ll say better. The only thing that worries me is him trying really really hard and making mistakes. That’s the only thing that worries me in the under. But I’ll take the under.”
Driving the no. 99 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Daniel Suárez is in a tight spot to improve his position from last year. In line with Hamlin’s words, Suarez upholds a life of hard work. This checks out as, in an interview with Quaker State, Suarez, giving advice to aspiring drivers, said: “Work hard and surround yourself with good people. It’s not easy to compete at the same level every single weekend, but working hard and having good discipline is a recipe for success.”
The only Mexican-born Cup Series winner will be racing alongside two new faces for Trackhouse Racing and has a lot to consider this season.
Daniel Suarez needs to step up to keep shining in his team
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Trackhouse Racing has recently signed up two new drivers, and this may dim Suarez’s sparkle. Shane Van Gisbergen, the Australian racer, will be competing in seven NASCAR Cup Series events in 2024. Trackhouse also announced a partnership with Kaulig Racing to accommodate this talented driver in the Xfinity Series full-time.
Former Truck Series champion Zane Smith was also added to the team’s roster. Smith is going to compete in the Cup races under the dual support of Trackhouse and Spire Motorsports.
Fox recently asked Suarez whether these two additions are giving him performance pressure. Suarez replied that even if there are new drivers to contend with, performance and teamwork are crucial for him. “Performance is something that is a must regardless of everything that happens outside the racetrack. To me, the most important part is how to make the 99 team better, how to make the 99 team consistent and strong.”
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We are all excited to see how Daniel Suarez will do in the 2024 season, and whether he will make his team and fans proud while dazzling Denny Hamlin.
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