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USA Today via Reuters
Feb 16, 2022; Daytona, FL, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Daniel Suarez (99) during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
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USA Today via Reuters
Feb 16, 2022; Daytona, FL, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Daniel Suarez (99) during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Saturday’s Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum was a practice session for most Cup Series drivers. However, for Trackhouse Racing driver Daniel Suarez, it was much more than that. The NASCAR Mexico Series had visited the Coliseum for the first time, and Suarez occupied the race’s only guest driver slot. Having spent his early years racing in the Mexican circuit, this was a unique opportunity for the 32-year-old.
The wait was worth it for Daniel Suarez as he cruised to a win on his return to the Mexico Series. With the Cup Series season opener scheduled for Sunday evening, Suarez had the chance to achieve the incredible feat of winning both races. While that didn’t come to fruition, it was a reasonably successful outing in Los Angeles. Speaking to the media personnel in a post-race presser, the No.99 Chevrolet driver disclosed the importance of his win on Saturday.
Daniel Suarez was reminded of his racing days in the NASCAR Mexico Series
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Suarez’s entry to the Cup Series grid was a big deal for the Mexican motorsport scene. With the little spotlight on the country’s racing talent, the opportunity was a significant platform for Suarez to showcase his driving skills. When asked about the essence of his latest victory, Daniel Suarez said, “It was definitely very, very special.”
“Some of you guys who know me know that this race means a lot to me. I am very happy to be here, and I knew that this race was a big deal for NASCAR Mexico and NASCAR in the United States. Not just to have the opportunity to compete but to have a competitive car and finishing in victory lane is quite special.”
The King Taco La Batalla gave the American NASCAR fans a glimpse of Mexican drivers. With a jam-packed Coliseum beside him, the onus was on Daniel Suarez to deliver the goods. As he beat the likes of Alex de Alba and Rogelio Lopez to the checkered line, he had flashbacks of his victorious days in the competition years ago.
Commending NASCAR’s decision to reschedule the main event and cater to his desire to race in both tourneys on the same days, Suarez said, “It was very special, as I mentioned a little bit ago. To have the NASCAR Mexico Series race on the same day and weekend with the same fans and the same event as the Cup Series in LA Memorial Coliseum; I don’t know if this gets any better than this.”
“To me, this race of NASCAR Mexico is as important as winning the championship for NASCAR Mexico Series. For me to have the opportunity to race [Juanes] Morales, Trackhouse gave me the opportunity, Quaker State, Freehouse Insurance… it is very special.”
As the press conference progressed, Daniel Suarez addressed multiple questions from Mexican and American journalists. In one of his answers, Suarez put the win on the same pedestal as his win at Sonoma in 2022.
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Last year was a barren run for Suarez. Following a playoff bubble battle until the final stages of 2023, he failed to regain his winning form. Despite coming close to the victory lane at times, a win just wouldn’t come. Alas, his wait ended with Saturday’s win. Appreciating the different scenarios racing presents for a driver to win races, Daniel Suarez claimed, “This win is definitely up there with Sonoma.”
“Every win is different. This is the beautiful part of racing. You can win 100 races, and every single one of them is going to mean something different. It’s going to have a different flavor, and this one is unique. To be able to win here in the series that gave me the opportunity with the team and my mechanics is very special.”
Exuding confidence for the upcoming season, Daniel Suarez added, “I guarantee you that I’m going to continue to win many races this year. That’s the plan.“
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With essential sponsors back to the #99 team, Suarez can hope for a successful year. Starting the season on a winning note is an excellent sign for his cause. With a change in crew chief, this season could be different for the Mexican driver.