Daniel Suárez’s homecoming at Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez has unveiled unexpected sportsmanship beneath NASCAR’s fierce rivalries. The Trackhouse Racing star, competing in his homeland this weekend, identified three rivals he’d genuinely celebrate beating him. This revelation reshapes perceptions of driver relationships ahead of NASCAR’s historic international return.
Suárez’s admission highlights rare sportsmanship in a sport defined by split-second conflicts. His choices reflect deep personal connections forged through career-defining moments.
Daniel Suárez Lists Three Rival Names as Victory Lane Allies
The Athletic’s Jeff Gluck hosts an interview series regularly called “12 Questions.” On the latest edition of the series, Gluck interviewed Suárez. The eighth question was, “Other than one of your teammates, name a driver whom you would be one of the first people to congratulate in victory lane if they won a race.”
Suárez singled out Bubba Wallace, Ryan Blaney, and Chase Elliott as the rivals he would gladly congratulate. His criteria centered on their authentic reaction to his breakthrough 2022 Cup Series win at Sonoma.
“I have known those guys for a very long time. When I won my first race, it was very meaningful to me, and all those guys showed up. They knew it was special for me,” Suárez revealed.
He emphasized the rarity of such sincerity: “Most of the time when you get beat at the racetrack, you’re not super happy. It’s very rare when somebody is happy for someone else, like genuinely. And those guys were very happy for me. So that means a lot.”
12 Questions with @Daniel_SuarezG:
“I’m very proud of bringing you guys to my home to teach you a little bit about myself and about my culture. I’ve been working very hard to make sure this event is going to be extremely successful.” #NASCARMexico https://t.co/eeHwPmlgz3
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) June 11, 2025
The bond transcends competition, rooted in decade-long relationships from their developmental series days. This sentiment gains resonance as Suárez races before passionate Mexican supporters.
Elliott previously acknowledged their shared Mexico City expedition mission, posting, “Quick trip down to Mexico City🇲🇽🌮. Stoked to do some racing here in the summer!” alongside photos with Suárez, Blaney, and Christopher Bell.
Ryan Blaney’s Strategic Yield Plan for Mexico’s Home Hero
Blaney has publicly vowed non-aggression toward Suárez this weekend, a tactical concession to the driver’s national hero status. “My one rule for this weekend – do not, by any circumstances, wreck Daniel Suárez this weekend,” Blaney stated on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
“That is the only rule that I have, because I would get just booed out of the stadium. You couldn’t get to the bus fast enough. Do not wreck the hometown guy, the national driver.”
❌ Ryan @Blaney has one rule for the Mexico City race weekend and it’s pretty simple.
Do NOT wreck @Daniel_SuarezG.
🇲🇽 “I don’t want that heat on me of being hated by a whole country.”
More → https://t.co/MKhd9eLpQA pic.twitter.com/TirS5FASZX
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) June 12, 2025
His pledge includes active deference, adding, “Daniel, I’m gonna be an easy pass if you’re around me, if you’re listening. And you don’t have to worry about me dive-bombing you and taking a chance.”
“I don’t want that heat on me of being hated by a whole country if I spin you out.”
This exceptional vow underscores Suárez’s cultural significance as NASCAR’s sole Mexican Cup Series winner. As Suárez battles for Trackhouse Racing’s future, his rivals’ respect could prove his value. Their collective stance reshapes Mexico City’s narrative from pure competition to layered cultural homage.