"I feel very, very fortunate": Daniel Suarez opens up on NASCAR having two Latino drivers at Watkins Glen

Daniel Suarez recently spoke about the diversity in NASCAR. Ahead of this Sunday's Cup race at Watkins Glen, Suarez spoke about NASCAR embracing two Latino drivers, him being a full-timer in the sport, and Juan Pablo Montoya for his one-off appearance on the road course.

Suarez said being a Latino in NASCAR was a 'huge privilege and responsibility' for him. Talking about being one of the Latin drivers alongside Pablo Montoya at the upcoming race on Watkins Glen during the pre-race conference, Suarez said:

"I feel very, very fortunate to be one of the Latinos, and be the one that’s been here for a little while. It’s been a huge responsibility and a huge privilege. The Spanish Heritage Month coming up, that’s one of the months that for me personally, is the most fun of the year," Suarez said [at 8:40]

The Trackhouse Racing driver further discussed NASCAR's role in welcoming diversity and inclusion and how it takes a few people to create an inclusive and diverse space.

"The only thing is that now – it always takes somebody to start breaking the mold, you know? Juan Pablo Montoya did an amazing job 10 years ago. It just takes a few people – drivers, mechanics, engineers, pit crew members – to start breaking that mold," he added (at 10:01).

Talking about several Hispanic personalities in different teams, crews, and garages of NASCAR, Suarez hoped for this diversity inclusion to grow even more in the coming years.

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Daniel Suarez emphasizes on remaining focused despite good start to the playoffs

Daniel Suarez booked his spot in the playoffs earlier this season with a win at Atlanta. While Suarez had only managed one top-five finish since his victory at Atlanta, the #99 driver seemed to regain his mojo, finishing 2nd in the opening playoffs race.

Speaking about his runner-up finish at Atlanta last Sunday, Daniel Suarez said that while it was good to chalk up a victory and start the playoffs on a positive momentum, it was equally important to remain focused for the upcoming races.

"We have to continue to learn what we could have done better as a group; myself, the team, everyone. And yeah, then come here to a road course, which obviously I enjoy and do well. I believe that we’re going to be hopefully contending upfront and hopefully we can have another shot at it," Suarez said [6:50].

It'll be interesting to see how Daniel Suarez fares in the upcoming races of the Round of 16 at Watkins Glen and Bristol, considering that he won at a road course back in 2022 at Sonoma, his first win in the Cup Series. A win again this Sunday would ensure Suarez a spot in the next round of the playoffs.