From the Back to the Top: Daniel Suárez Claims Emotional Xfinity Victory in Mexico City

NASCAR's return to Mexico couldn't have been scripted any better. In a stunning display of skill, heart, and home-country pride, Daniel Suárez powered his way from 39th on the grid to win the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. It was a moment that transcended motorsports, the kind of win that puts a nation on its feet.

And it wasn’t easy.

A Rough Start — Literally

The weekend began with high hopes but took a sharp turn in practice. Suárez, piloting the No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet in partnership with JR Motorsports, suffered a brake failure during practice that sent him hard into the wall. The damage was terminal for his primary car. With no time to spare, the team rolled out the backup, an older chassis that hadn’t turned a lap all weekend.

The penalty? Suárez would have to start from the rear of the 39 car field.

In road course racing, especially on a tight, technical circuit like Mexico City’s 2.674 mile layout, that’s typically a death sentence. But the 32 year old Monterrey native was undeterred. From the drop of the green flag, Suárez showed determination, and patience.

Climbing Through the Field

As the race unfolded, a mix of pit strategies and stage cautions shuffled the order, but Suárez remained the story. By Lap 10, he had cracked the top 20. By Lap 25, he was in the top 10. His best lap of 94.124 mph may not have been the fastest of the day, but his consistency and calculated aggression were unmatched.

The final stage turned into a dogfight. Young standout Taylor Gray, who started 8th in the No. 54 Toyota, led laps and looked poised for the upset. Austin Hill, another seasoned contender, applied pressure late. But in the final laps, Suárez made the decisive move to the front and never looked back.

Final Standings — Top 7:

1. Daniel Suárez (Chevrolet) – Started 39th | Best Lap: 94.124 mph

2. Taylor Gray (Toyota) – Started 8th | Best Lap: 94.111 mph

3. Austin Hill (Chevrolet) – Started 7th | Best Lap: 94.011 mph

4. Christian Eckes (Chevrolet) – Started 34th | Best Lap: 94.836 mph

5. Connor Zilisch (Chevrolet) – Started 1st | Best Lap: 93.584 mph

6. William Sawalich (Toyota) – Started 11th | Best Lap: 94.548 mph

7. Austin Green (Chevrolet) – Started 14th | Best Lap: 94.874 mph

While Gray scored the most points with a strong stage performance (53 points), it was Suárez who stood atop Victory Lane, arms raised, Mexican flag in hand, and tears in his eyes.

Why It Mattered

This wasn’t just another trophy for Suárez. It was a moment of validation for years of perseverance and a sign that NASCAR’s international future could have real staying power. Fans packed the grandstands, waving flags and chanting his name as he climbed from the car. For a country that hasn’t hosted a NASCAR national series race since 2007, this was more than a race, it was a rebirth.

“It means everything,” Suárez said post-race. “We had every reason to give up after what happened in practice. But this is my home. We never gave up.”

Looking Ahead

With the Cup Series taking on the same circuit tomorrow, all eyes are now on whether lightning can strike twice, and what this event could mean for NASCAR’s global ambitions. One thing’s for sure: Mexico showed up, and Daniel Suárez delivered.