BY JOE ARCE AND COREY CRABLE
The second visit to Kansas Speedway this year for Mexican NASCAR driver Daniel Suarez was one that again put him behind the wheel in search of another victory.
He’s enjoyed plenty of them throughout his decade-long career with the NASCAR Cup Series, having amassed three wins, the most recent being this year at the Coca-Cola 600 in May. It was one of the most prestigious races.
But despite the prestige that’s come with a lot of hard-fought battles, Suarez, the only Mexican NASCAR driver in the series, stressed that he has more in common with racing fans than differences.
“It’s very important for people to understand that we’re the same, number one. And number two, that I come from humble beginnings, just like many of us. And it’s important for people to understand that, yeah, maybe some people see me today, maybe they got to know me now. And they see me having success in NASCAR, and doing well,” Suarez told Kansas City Hispanic News during his recent visit to Kansas City. “But all these things didn’t happen overnight. All these things didn’t happen yesterday. So it takes a lot of work. It takes a lot of discipline, a lot of persistency.”
In addition to his race at the Kansas Speedway, Suarez had a packed schedule, including meet-and-greets with fans, media interviews, and a visit to Kansas City’s Consulate of Mexico offices in downtown Kansas City, Missouri where again he addressed his NASCAR fans during the meet and greet session.
Suarez, who has dual Mexican and U.S. citizenship, shared memories of his family, thanking his parents for the critical role they played in his own success.
“Parents are the best thing that we have in this world. I’m convinced 100% that if I didn’t have the mom and the dad that I have, I wouldn’t be here. I’m here because of them. They gave me an education. They took care of me. And they built the person that I am today,” he said.
As the face of the Latino people in the sport, Suarez added that he doesn’t take his job lightly.
“I’ve been the face of the Latinos for a long time. And for me, it’s a huge responsibility. There is no pressure. I don’t feel pressure. It’s just a huge responsibility because I have learned that it’s not just about what I do on the racetrack. That’s just a part of it. What I do outside the racetrack is even more important,” Suarez said. “That’s why I’m here right now, to be able to use my platform and who I am to help others and to motivate others and to push other people to continue to follow their dreams. … God gave me an opportunity and a talent to be in this position, and I feel like it’s my way of giving back.”
Suarez said he’s always mindful of remembering his humble roots and never forgetting where he came from. Along with hard work, it’s been the foundation of his years of success on the racetrack.
“I have to work for every single thing that I have. It’s important for people to understand that nothing is for free in life. Everything has a price, and we have to work for that. The only difference is, are we willing to pay that price? Because everything in life has a price. We just have to make sure that we know the price and to understand if we’re willing to pay it or not,” he said.
Regardless of what’s in store next for Suarez and his career, he says he’s simply going to continue trying to be the best driver – and the best person – he can be.
“I love competing. I love winning. Being a champion, yes, it feels good,” Suarez said. “But there is more than that. It’s important to me for people to really see me for who I want to be.”
