Daniel Suarez realizes his NASCAR platform serves a higher purpose than winning races. The Mexican driver recently explained how his journey to the United States transformed him into a role model for younger generations.

Speaking on PRN, Suarez was asked if he had a favorite moment when he inspired someone. Suarez’s answer came straight from the heart. 

“I don’t mean to be c***** with this, but that happens all the time. Like almost every weekend. And that to me means a lot. That’s why I start to realize because here’s what happens in my mind,” said Suarez.

Suarez left everything back home to pursue racing, and it paid off when he became the first International driver to win a NASCAR championship when he won the Xfinity Series in 2016. He was picked up by Joe Gibbs Racing in 2017, but he wouldn’t get his first win until Sonoma in 2022 with Trackhouse Racing, becoming the first Mexican driver to win a Cup series race. 

Suarez reflected on his humble beginnings in Mexico and the language barrier he overcame early in his career.

“I start to realise that I’m not just a racing driver. I’m actually a role model for all these people that are coming to this country the same way I came ten, twelve, thirteen years ago. And that to me, I believe that if I don’t use that platform and that story and that journey to inspire and to help younger generations, it's a little bit of a waste.”

Suarez said that he wants to win races and championships and that will always be his priority, but he also wants to use what he has built for himself to help others.

Suarez on Enjoying Broadcasting

Daniel Suarez has said that he isn’t shy despite having troubles with the English language now and then. But given he learned English when he got to America, Suarez has been quick to pick up the language, so much so that he has become a regular feature in broadcasts for lower-tier NASCAR races. 

Suarez admitted that he enjoys broadcasting, “There are a couple things I enjoy. I enjoy talking about racing, watching the races. I think that’s something that is a lot of fun, but I also like for people to listen to myself. “

Suarez looked back at his journey and said, “ I can’t stop thinking about people thinking, ‘man, ten years ago this kid didn’t even speak English. Now he’s calling these races. And to me it's like an inspirational thing.”

Even through this particular example, Suarez says he looks at himself from when he was a little kid to now and thinks that if he can do it, so can others. 

Read more at the RFK Racing Digest!

Written by

Debrup Chaudhuri