Pato O’Ward, an IndyCar Series star, congratulated Daniel Suárez on his recent Xfinity Series win at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City on Saturday. Both drivers hail from Monterrey, Mexico, where they first began racing at the same local track. O’Ward expressed his happiness for Suárez’s success and shared his hope that IndyCar will soon bring racing back to their home country.

Pato O’Ward was happy when he saw that Daniel Suarez won the Xfinity race at Mexico City. And O’Ward is hopeful INDYCAR will be racing in his home country soon. @IndyCarOnFOX @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/nZLsxYk48p

—Bob Pockrass, FOX Sports

Reflecting on their shared background, O’Ward stated,

I saw a tweet Daniel won in Xfinity, which I was super happy for him. I grew up with him in the same hometown, same track we started both, so, yeah, I think it’s fantastic for him,

adding enthusiastically,

We would love to go there. I think it would be fantastic to have IndyCar there and we’re sure as hell going to try to pack the whole place up.

Daniel Suárez’s Triumphant Return to Mexican Soil

Saturday’s race marked Daniel Suárez’s first NASCAR Xfinity start in his home country in a decade, making his victory even more poignant. Driving the No. 9 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, Suárez started from the back and skillfully overtook competitors to claim the checkered flag, fending off challenger Taylor Gray. The 2.42-mile, 15-turn road course at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez suited Suárez perfectly as he led a race-high 19 laps.

Suárez’s journey from leaving Mexico ten years ago with little English and no racing credentials to becoming a NASCAR Cup Series regular is a remarkable story. Though he finished 19th in Sunday’s Cup race, his Xfinity win remains a defining moment in his career.

In more than 20 years of my career, I have never experienced what I experienced today [Saturday],

Suárez said after the race.

When I took the lead, I was able to hear the people like they were right next to me, right here. And not just in the stadium, but also in corner number one, two and three. It was unbelievable. I got goosebumps. I felt so blessed and I was like — I had never had that feeling in my life. It was unbelievable.

He described the challenge of maintaining focus amid the overwhelming support.

And then I had to really talk to myself and say, ‘Hey Daniel, focus. Don’t get distracted.’ It’s so many people and Mexican flags everywhere, Daniel’s Amigos everywhere, people with signs that said ‘Vamos Suarez.’ It was unbelievable. I really had to work with myself to not get distracted. This race was very special. I know it’s Xfinity, but it’s a very special race for me.

The Larger Importance of Suárez’s Victory for Mexican Racing Fans

Daniel Suárez’s win at Mexico City symbolizes more than just a race victory; it represents a deep connection to his roots, inspiring fans across the country. For Pato O’Ward, the success of a fellow Mexican driver reinforces his own aspirations to compete and triumph in Mexico.

O’Ward’s hope for IndyCar to bring a race to Mexico underscores the growing enthusiasm for motorsports in the region, with drivers and fans alike eager to see international series return to home tracks. The prospect of IndyCar racing in Mexico holds the potential to boost local engagement and celebrate Mexican talent on a larger stage, further elevating the nation’s presence in motorsports.