Last week, at the bustling New Hampshire Speedway, a significant moment unfolded not on the race track but off it, marking a personal victory for NASCAR driver Daniel Suárez. The Monterrey, Mexico native officially became a U.S. citizen after living and competing in the United States for over a decade. Suárez’s journey to citizenship is not just a tale of personal achievement but also a poignant reflection of his unique path through the world of professional racing.
Born in Monterrey, Suárez’s life could have taken a different trajectory. His parents once considered having him born in the U.S. 32 years ago to open up more opportunities, but the high costs deterred them. Reflecting on this, Suárez shared:
“It’s really funny how my parents, they had that thought before I was born, about being born in the United States, I guess to have more opportunities. They didn’t do it. And now, I guess I did it my way.”
This decision set the stage for a future where the driver would cross the border under his own steam, driven by ambitions not just to live in America but to race.
Suárez’s migration to the U.S. in 2012 marked the beginning of a significant phase in his career. He had one goal: to race. His commitment and drive led him to become the first international champion of NASCAR’s Xfinity Series in 2016. Just a year later, he ascended to the NASCAR Cup series, debuting at Daytona. Discussing his motivations, Suárez stated:
“I came to this country to race and compete. I had been working really hard to try and go to the next step and be more competitive. In a blink of an eye, I’ve been already here 12 years.”
Though gaining U.S. citizenship was not his initial priority, the idea grew on him about six years ago. Now, as a citizen, Suárez continues to make his mark in NASCAR, participating in competitions such as the USA TODAY 301 at New Hampshire Speedway last weekend. Just last week, he acknowledged the crowd during driver introductions at Sonoma Raceway, demonstrating his appreciation for American fans and the racing community that has embraced him.
Suárez’s naturalization is not just a personal milestone but also a symbol of the diverse and inclusive spirit of NASCAR. As he competes behind the wheel of his No. 99 Chevy, his story is a testament to the pursuit of dreams across borders.
Uncommon Knowledge
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The post NASCAR News: Driver Gains USA Citizenship After 32 Years appeared first on Newsweek.
