AUSTIN, TX. -- Daniel Suarez has long supported the idea of the NASCAR Cup Series heading to his home country of Mexico. Now that it is becoming a reality, his fellow drivers are highlighting the role he played.
"I really think it's something that I think he probably deserves more credit for it than what he'll ever get," Chase Elliott told media members Saturday at Circuit of the Americas. "He's obviously had a huge stance in our sport from the representation side of Mexico going on 10-plus years now."
Elliott made the comments after taking a special trip to Mexico City to promote the upcoming inaugural Cup Series race in June. He was one of four drivers to head south of the border. He joined Suarez, Christopher Bell, and Ryan Blaney.
This trip was a unique experience for the 2020 Cup Series champion. He and his fellow drivers tested their wrestling skills, met with local media members, and saw the track in person. Three of these drivers also saw how much the trip meant to Suarez, the first Mexico-born driver to win a Cup Series race.
"I mean, it was an honor for me, and I'm sure Ryan and all of us to have someone like him show us around," Elliott added. "Because obviously being from there.
"And it was really cool to see his genuine just excitement and passion for the fact that we're doing this, or we finally pulled it off."
Suarez's rise to the NASCAR Cup Series is well-documented. The Monterrey, Mexico, native began competing in his home country. He racked up 10 wins in the NASCAR Mexico Series and also competed in the K&N Pro Series East while working with NASCAR's Drive for Diversity Program.
Suarez remained in the United States as he began competing full-time in the Xfinity Series in 2015. He won his first championship in 2016 and then moved up to the Cup Series. He has remained at NASCAR's top level ever since.
Now, he will get to head back to Mexico for a historic event.
The excitement was palpable as Suarez walked into the Circuit of the Americas media center even days removed from the trip to his home country.
Said Suarez, "I'm on the moon right now with everything that is happening with the Mexico City race. ...A lot of people are super excited, the race track is looking amazing.
"So I'm very, very blessed to be in this position and to be able to represent not just my country but everyone in Latin America, for NASCAR, and now to get to make history with all of you guys."