Daniel Suárez Bio
Early Life and Background
Daniel Alejandro Suárez Garza was born on January 7, 1992, in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. He began his racing career at a young age, starting in karting in 2002. Suárez quickly made a name for himself, winning the class championship in 2007 and becoming the youngest driver to win a race in the Mini-Stocks category of NASCAR Mexico in 2008. His early exposure to racing laid the foundation for his future career in motorsports.
Suárez’s journey in racing continued as he moved to the NASCAR Mexico Series in 2010, where he earned the Rookie of the Year title. His determination and talent were evident as he participated in various racing events, including the Toyota All-Star Showdown, where he finished as the highest-finishing Mexican driver. His success in the early years of his career set the stage for his eventual transition to the NASCAR leagues in the United States.
Path to NASCAR
In 2011, Suárez began competing in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East as part of the Drive for Diversity program. He achieved notable success, including multiple top finishes and a victory in the series. By 2014, he was a full-time competitor in both the K&N Pro Series East and the NASCAR Toyota Series, winning races and further establishing his reputation.
In 2015, Suárez made a significant leap by joining Joe Gibbs Racing, where he competed full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. His performance that year culminated in winning the Rookie of the Year title, showcasing his potential as a rising star in NASCAR.
Daniel Suárez Career
Early Career (2002–2015)
Suárez’s early career was marked by his rapid ascent through the ranks of racing in Mexico. He won the NASCAR Corona Series Rookie of the Year in 2010 and continued to impress in the NASCAR Mexico Series, where he secured multiple wins. His transition to the K&N Pro Series East in 2013 solidified his status as a promising driver, leading to his signing with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2015.
During his time with Joe Gibbs Racing, Suárez quickly adapted to the competitive environment of the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He won his first career pole at Daytona and finished the season with impressive stats, earning the Rookie of the Year award.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Breakthrough (2016)
In 2016, Suárez’s career reached new heights as he won the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship, becoming the first foreign-born driver to achieve this feat. He secured his first victory at Michigan, passing Kyle Busch on the last lap, and followed it up with another win at Dover. His dominant performance throughout the season culminated in a championship win at Homestead, solidifying his place in NASCAR history.
NASCAR Cup Series Era (2017–Present)
Suárez made his debut in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2017, taking over the No. 19 car for Joe Gibbs Racing. He faced challenges but showed promise with several top finishes. After a couple of seasons with varying success, he joined Stewart-Haas Racing in 2019, where he continued to develop his skills.
In 2021, Suárez joined Trackhouse Racing, where he experienced a resurgence in performance. He achieved his first NASCAR Cup Series victory at Sonoma in 2022, becoming the first Mexican-born driver to win in the Cup Series. His success continued into 2024, where he secured his second Cup Series win at the Ambetter Health 400 in Atlanta, showcasing his growth as a driver.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Suárez is known for his aggressive driving style and strategic approach to racing. His ability to adapt to different track conditions and his skill in managing race situations have made him a formidable competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Suárez’s career is highlighted by his historic championship win in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and his status as the first foreign-born driver to win a NASCAR national series championship. His victories in the Cup Series further cement his legacy in the sport.
Daniel Suárez Career Wins
Suárez has achieved significant success across various NASCAR series, with a total of 2 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series and multiple victories in the Xfinity and other series.
Current NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
As of 2025, Suárez has recorded a total of 2 wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, with his first victory coming at the 2022 Toyota/Save Mart 350 and his most recent win at the 2024 Ambetter Health 400. He has consistently performed well, finishing a career-best tenth in the points standings in 2022.
Previous NASCAR Series Achievements
In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Suárez won the championship in 2016 and has a total of 5 wins in the series. He also has notable achievements in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the NASCAR Mexico Series, where he secured multiple wins and podium finishes.
Daniel Suárez Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Suárez is married to Julia Piquet, daughter of three-time Formula 1 World Champion Nelson Piquet. The couple married on July 30, 2024, in Brazil, marking a significant personal milestone in his life.
Personal Life
Residing in Huntersville, North Carolina, Suárez has embraced his dual citizenship in Mexico and the United States, having completed the Oath of Allegiance in 2024. He has also made appearances in popular culture, including voicing a character in the Pixar film Cars 3.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a challenging one for Suárez, starting with a thirteenth-place finish in the Daytona 500. However, he faced difficulties in subsequent races, including a wreck that resulted in a 33rd place finish at Atlanta. Despite these setbacks, he managed to secure a second-place finish at Las Vegas, showcasing his potential for a strong comeback. As the season progresses, Suárez and Trackhouse Racing have mutually agreed to part ways, indicating a new chapter ahead in his racing career.
