17 hours ago
Daniel Suarez's Xfinity Series Win At Mexico Could Create Job Security
Daniel Suarez, driver of the No. 9 Quaker State Chevrolet, celebrates after winning the NASCAR ... More Xfinity Series The Chilango 150 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on June 14, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by)
Daniel Suarez's contract with Trackhouse Racing is up for renewal, and as of now, he does not have a job lined up for 2026.
However, the popular driver from Mexico may be increasing his chances of an extension. With Nascar's return to Mexico (and debut for the Cup Series), Suarez's international popularity has been on full display. Not only is he under pressure from the hometown fans at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, but he is expected to perform well at a track he knows amid uncertainty about his future.
Suarez started the weekend with an Xfinity Series qualifying accident, which forced him to use Nascar's new international provisional. His JR Motorsports team had to create a backup car within just hours of the race, and they were not even allowed to wrap the car in its original Quaker State paint scheme.
But he soared through the field after starting last, scoring his fourth career Xfinity Series win.
'It's a very special day, very, very special to be here in front of my people, all these people that have supported me for many, many years and known me since my Nascar Mexico days, now I'm fighting with the big boys,'' Suarez said after the race.
No matter his result during Sunday's Cup debut in Mexico, the win may help his efforts to renew his contract with Trackhouse Racing.
The team has four drivers under contract with three spots available in 2026. Suarez drives the No. 99 car, while road course ace Shane van Gisbergen pilots the No. 88 car and Ross Chastain is in the No. 1 car. Chastain has a deal through 2027, but van Gisbergen is not guaranteed a seat. Trackhouse also has a deal with Xfinity Series driver Connor Zilisch, an 18-year-old rookie who is already getting some Cup reps.
But Suarez is struggling in his fifth year with Trackhouse. He made the playoffs last year and finished 12th after a win at Atlanta. But he enters Mexico 28th in the standings with an average finish of 21.1.
The victory, even though it was an Xfinity Series race, showcased Suarez's potential, as well as his popularity. He starts 10th in the Cup race.
