The Ambetter Health 400 race ensued with a load of crashes piling up on one another. The breathtaking racetrack performance unfolded with smoking drama. The race featured a record 48 lead changes among 14 drivers. Veteran drivers were locked in aggressive pursuit of the Atlanta glory. But this time the American racers had to make way for a Mexican talent: Daniel Suarez.
Suarez was almost thrown out of contention in a massive wreck in lap 2, which damaged his hood. But his redemption came in the latter part of the race. On lap Lap 249 of 260 Josh Berry’s Ford collided with Carson Hocevar’s Chevrolet, causing the 10th caution that led to a restart. This was Suarez’s chance to shine, as he then took the lead to victory. He is confident that more glittering trophies are on the way to his home cabinet.
Daniel Suarez is aiming for more glory in 2024
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Daniel Suarez earned his first Cup win in June 2022 at Sonoma Raceway. Then he endured several months of boredom. A hop, skip, and jump later, he finally broke that winless drought at Atlanta this year.
Suarez recently spoke to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio about his spectacular race. “I kinda knew I beat the 8 because I thought I was a little bit ahead of him. But I couldn’t see the 12. I didn’t even notice the 12 was still there. So yeah I was extremely close. Very fortunate to have an amazing power, ECR power, Chevrolet power, and everyone at Trackhouse guild.”
Suarez is also looking forward to a bright and prosperous season this year. “The way I think about it, this is only the beginning, you know. We have to continue to build more points, continue to win more races. The goal is not just to win one race a year. The goal is bigger than that…However, we will enjoy this moment, because it’s special, we haven’t won in over a year. But we know there is more coming.”
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Being his first victory at a Speedway, the Atlanta victory sealed a place for Suarez in the playoffs. But he will not rest before more trophies are spilling out of his cabinet.
Both Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch acknowledged Daniel Suarez’s tremendous efforts at stealing the Atlanta win.
Close contenders are happy for Daniel Suarez
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Daniel Suarez was hotly pursued by Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch. In fact, all three delivered a photo finish by staying in an almost straight line till the end. NASCAR had to release a video evidence to confirm Suarez as the winner, who won by a narrow margin of 0.003 seconds over Blaney. Busch finished third, 0.007 seconds behind the race winner.
OMG THREE WIDE PHOTO FINISH! 🤯 @Daniel_SuarezG 🇲🇽 wins at @ATLMotorSpdwy! 🏁
🎥 @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/e0QYGL13pU
— Motorsport.com (@Motorsport) February 26, 2024
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Praising Suarez, Blaney said, “I’m happy for Daniel. That’s cool to see him win one and was fun racing with him.” He further added, “He’s a great guy so can’t complain too much when you’re close like this and hopefully the fans enjoyed it.”
Read More: Ryan Blaney Relishes Theatrical Three-Wide Battle at Atlanta Despite Narrow Loss in a Photo Finish
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Busch talked about their ties to Chevrolet. “It’s good to see Daniel Suárez get a win because as Chevy team partners we were helping each other and working together there. It shows that when you do have friends and you can make alliances that strategy does seem to work. That was a good part of today to see that come to fruition.”
Daniel Suarez raised the checkered flag high at Atlanta. Let us see who wows us as the winner in the Pennzoil 400 race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway next weekend.