Suarez Triumphs in Thrilling Xfinity Series Return to Mexico City
Mexico City, October 14, 2023 – Daniel Suarez achieved a remarkable victory in the NASCAR Xfinity Series during its highly anticipated return to Mexico City, clinching the win in a backup car after starting in the 39th position. This race marked a significant milestone for the sport, and for Suarez, who has long aspired to represent his homeland at this level.
“This is very special to be here in front of my people. They have supported me for many years,” Suarez remarked after his victory, highlighting the emotional significance of the event.
The final stage of the race commenced with 19 laps to go, where Suarez made a decisive move. Restarting in fourth place, he executed a bold three-wide maneuver to snatch the lead at Turn 1 amidst chaos as Connor Zilisch and Ty Gibbs collided, severely damaging both vehicles. This incident eliminated two of the fastest cars from contention.
Following a subsequent clean restart, Suarez maintained his position at the front but faced strong pressure from Gray, who was clawing back after earlier setbacks. In a gripping finish, Gray attempted a last-lap lunge into the final corner but could not overtake Suarez, who crossed the line first.
Race Results:
- Daniel Suarez
- Gray
- Austin Hill
- Christian Eckes
- Connor Zilisch
- William Sawalich
- Austin Green
- Jeb Burton
- Harrison Burton
- Sammy Smith
Suarez’s road to victory was not without challenges. He swiftly advanced from 39th to 25th by the first caution on Lap 3, a consequence of Sam Mayer’s spin into the barriers. The first stage concluded with Carson Kvapil taking the win, while Stage 2 was dominated by Sammy Smith.
The race saw mechanical issues for several competitors, including Justin Allgaier and Christopher Bell, which affected their performance. Despite these challenges, Suarez’s experienced maneuvers kept him at the front after snatching the lead in the final stages.
This victory is notably Suarez’s first in the Xfinity Series since his championship win in 2016, marking a pivotal moment in his career. He now counts four career wins in the series, underscoring his long-awaited resurgence in front of a home crowd.
