Daniel Alejandro Suárez Garza Bio
Daniel Alejandro Suárez Garza, born January 7, 1992, is a Mexican-American professional stock car racing driver. He competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Spire Motorsports. Suárez is notable for being the first foreign-born driver to win a major NASCAR National Series championship, capturing the 2016 NASCAR Xfinity Series title with Joe Gibbs Racing.
Early Life and Background
Born in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, Daniel Suárez began his racing career in karting in 2002. He quickly showed promise by winning the karting class championship in 2007. In 2008, he transitioned to the Mini-Stocks category of the NASCAR Mexico Series, becoming the youngest driver to win a race in that series. His early success in Mexico laid the foundation for his move into higher levels of stock car racing.
Suárez’s early exposure to racing in Mexico and his competitive spirit helped him develop the skills necessary to compete internationally. Although specific details about his formal education are not publicly noted, his dedication to racing from a young age was evident through his rapid progression in motorsports.
Path to NASCAR
Suárez moved up to the NASCAR Mexico Series in 2010, driving for Telcel Racing and earning the Rookie of the Year title. He participated in the Toyota All-Star Showdown in 2011, finishing as the highest-placed Mexican driver. Concurrently, he began competing in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East as part of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, which helped him gain exposure in the United States.
In 2013, Suárez competed full-time in the K&N Pro Series East for Rev Racing, securing his first series victory and finishing third in the championship standings. His strong performances in both the Mexican and American series caught the attention of Joe Gibbs Racing, leading to his debut in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2014 and a full-time Xfinity Series ride in 2015.
Daniel Alejandro Suárez Garza Career
Early Career (2002–2014)
Suárez’s career began in karting before progressing to the NASCAR Mexico Series, where he won Rookie of the Year in 2010. He competed in the K&N Pro Series East, achieving multiple top-ten finishes and his first victory in 2013. His early years were marked by steady development and success in regional series, setting the stage for his entry into national NASCAR competition.
In 2014, Suárez made his Nationwide Series debut with Joe Gibbs Racing, finishing nineteenth at Richmond International Raceway. This opportunity marked his transition from regional to national-level racing in the United States.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Breakthrough (2015–2016)
In 2015, Suárez competed full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for Joe Gibbs Racing, driving the No. 18 Toyota. He won his first career pole at Daytona and secured two additional poles during the season. His consistent performance earned him the 2015 NASCAR Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year award and a fifth-place finish in the points standings.
The following year, Suárez made history by winning the 2016 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship, becoming the first foreign-born driver to claim a major NASCAR national series title. He won multiple races that season, including a dramatic last-lap pass at Michigan and a dominant performance at Homestead. Additionally, he captured his first Camping World Truck Series victory at Phoenix in 2016.
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and Team Transitions (2017–2020)
Suárez moved to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2017, driving the No. 19 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. He earned his first Cup Series pole at Pocono in 2018 and recorded a career-best second-place finish in the same race. Despite some struggles with consistency, he showed flashes of competitiveness and adaptability at the highest level.
In 2019, Suárez joined Stewart–Haas Racing, piloting the No. 41 Ford Mustang GT. Although he demonstrated improvement, he missed the playoffs and was replaced after the season. In 2020, he signed with Gaunt Brothers Racing but faced challenges qualifying for the Daytona 500 and struggled to achieve strong finishes throughout the year.
Trackhouse Racing Era (2021–2025)
Suárez signed with Trackhouse Racing in 2021, driving the No. 99 car. This period was seen as a pivotal opportunity to revitalize his career. He delivered Trackhouse’s first top-five finish with a fourth place at the Bristol dirt race and earned multiple top-ten results. Suárez also competed in a Trans-Am race, showcasing his versatility.
In 2022, Suárez achieved a historic milestone by winning his first NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway, becoming the first Mexican-born driver to win at this level. He finished the season tenth in points, his career-best Cup Series standing. In 2024, he secured his second Cup Series victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway in a photo finish, further cementing his status as a competitive Cup driver. Suárez and Trackhouse Racing mutually agreed to part ways after the 2025 season, during which he scored a notable second-place finish at Las Vegas and a win in the Xfinity Series race at Mexico City.
Spire Motorsports Era (2026–Present)
It was announced in late 2025 that Suárez would join Spire Motorsports to drive the No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 starting in the 2026 season. This move represents a new chapter in his career as he continues to compete at the highest level of NASCAR.
Driving Style and Strengths
Daniel Suárez is known for his aggressive yet calculated driving style, excelling on road courses and intermediate tracks. His racecraft and ability to manage tire wear have contributed to his success in both the Xfinity and Cup Series. Suárez’s partnerships with various crew chiefs have helped him adapt to different team environments and strategies.
Notable Races and Milestones
Suárez’s signature moments include his 2016 Xfinity Series championship and his historic 2022 Cup Series win at Sonoma. His second Cup victory in 2024 at Atlanta was one of the closest finishes in NASCAR history. These milestones highlight his perseverance and skill as a trailblazer for Mexican drivers in NASCAR.
Daniel Alejandro Suárez Garza Career Wins
Throughout his career, Daniel Suárez has accumulated significant victories across NASCAR’s national series. His achievements include multiple wins in the Xfinity Series, a Camping World Truck Series victory, and two wins in the NASCAR Cup Series.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Highlights
Suárez secured his first Xfinity Series win in 2016 at Michigan by overtaking Kyle Busch on the final lap. He went on to win additional races that season, culminating in the series championship. His most recent Xfinity victory came in 2025 at Mexico City, demonstrating his continued competitiveness in the series.
Other Wins & Performances
In the Camping World Truck Series, Suárez earned a notable win at Phoenix in 2016. His Cup Series victories at Sonoma in 2022 and Atlanta in 2024 stand out as career-defining moments, marking him as a prominent figure in NASCAR’s top tier.
Daniel Alejandro Suárez Garza Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
While specific details about Suárez’s family background are limited, his career reflects a strong connection to Mexican motorsports culture. His rise from karting in Monterrey to NASCAR prominence underscores his commitment and the support system that enabled his success.
Personal Life
Daniel Suárez resides in Huntersville, North Carolina. In 2022, he became engaged to Julia Piquet, daughter of three-time Formula 1 World Champion Nelson Piquet. The couple married on July 30, 2024, in Brazil. In 2024, Suárez became a dual citizen of Mexico and the United States, further solidifying his ties to both countries.
2025 Season Performance
During the 2025 season, Suárez began strongly with a thirteenth-place finish in the Daytona 500. He faced challenges mid-season, including involvement in wrecks and inconsistent finishes. However, he rebounded with a second-place result at Las Vegas and a victory in the Xfinity Series race at Mexico City. In July 2025, Suárez and Trackhouse Racing announced their mutual decision to part ways after the season, setting the stage for his move to Spire Motorsports in 2026.
