Daniel Suarez will pilot the JR Motorsports Xfinity car in Mexico City on June 14, replacing Shane Van Gisbergen for this special event. The decision came from an arrangement between JR Motorsports and sponsor Quaker State, designed to spotlight Suarez as he returns to race on home soil. Suarez, a native of Monterrey and the 2016 Xfinity Series champion, views this appearance as a meaningful homecoming.
This race at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez marks NASCAR’s return to Mexico and offers a chance to engage with local fans, especially since Suarez is the only Mexican driver to have won at the Cup Series level. Collaboration between JR Motorsports and Trackhouse Racing enabled Suarez to compete in the #9 car, highlighting the event’s significance both for him and for NASCAR’s presence in Mexico.
Suarez Reflects on the Importance of the Weekend and His Approach
Ahead of the race, Daniel Suarez expressed his enthusiasm about the event, focusing on being present and maximizing performance throughout the weekend. He emphasized execution over simply aiming for the win, although success would naturally follow a well-executed race.
“I’m super excited for the event. I’m super excited to live in the moment because the first time is going to only happen once. I’m really trying to be as present as possible; enjoy the moment and try to execute the best possible weekend that we can. We know that we are capable of winning the race, but that’s not the goal. The goal is the execution of the entire weekend, and hopefully the win is the result of the execution part.” —Daniel Suarez, NASCAR driver
Suarez has built his career as a trailblazing Mexican-American stock car driver, now competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for Trackhouse Racing. His racing path began in karting in Mexico and progressed rapidly through national motorsports categories, where he earned notable distinctions.
He was the youngest winner in the NASCAR Mexico Mini-Stocks series and earned Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Mexico Series. As a participant in NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, Suarez transitioned into American motorsports, ultimately capturing the 2016 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship with Joe Gibbs Racing.
Focused Mindset as NASCAR Returns to Suarez’s Hometown
In anticipation of the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race in Mexico City, Suarez shared his determined mindset, candidly describing his approach as “selfish” in terms of concentrating fully on performance and winning. Understanding the unique conditions of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Suarez took extra measures to prepare accordingly.
He arrived in Mexico City earlier than usual to acclimate to the challenging high altitude and begin physical training well in advance of the Viva México 250 race. This preparation aims to optimize both his physical condition and racing performance under the demanding circumstances.
“Once we get to Friday, it’s time to be selfish because I want to be the best version of myself, and I know we can win the race. But for that, I have to execute everything right, and I have to be on my game. So I’m going to be traveling to Mexico City very early, way earlier than normal (he flew Tuesday), so I can acclimate with the altitude, I can start training a little bit.” —Daniel Suarez, NASCAR driver
Currently ranked 28th in the driver standings, Suarez faces contract uncertainty for 2026 with Trackhouse Racing, which adds to the importance of his performance in this high-profile home event.
The Significance of Suarez Racing at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez
Daniel Suarez driving JR Motorsports car in Mexico City symbolizes a milestone for both NASCAR and Mexican motorsport fans, bringing the sport back to a country with a growing audience and strong racing heritage. As the only Mexican Cup Series winner, Suarez serves as a beacon for young racers from his home country and a connection point for local spectators.
This event has the potential to boost NASCAR’s popularity in Mexico while highlighting Suarez’s continued role as an ambassador for the sport. His performance could influence future participation opportunities and further elevate the international profile of NASCAR’s series.
Overall, Suarez’s involvement underscores NASCAR’s commitment to expanding its reach and celebrating diverse talent, with the Mexico City race serving as both a competitive challenge and a meaningful personal journey for the Monterrey native.