Daniel Suarez Delivers in Homecoming Race in Mexico City

Daniel Suarez Delivers in Homecoming Race in Mexico City

It just felt good to see NASCAR take on such a huge undertaking off running a race outside the United States. Sure, the Xfinity Series had races at this course from 2005 to 2008, but this return was long-awaited, and it paid off. Connor Zilisch showed his road course prowess as he put his No. 88 on the pole. But he had plenty of other Cup drivers to try and hold off, as both Ty Gibbs and Christopher Bell were closely behind him.

The racing provided plenty of beating and banging, as everyone tried to get around the 15-turn course without trouble.

Trouble Befalls Top Series Regulars

The biggest names of the Xfinity Series certainly didn’t find good luck in Mexico City. As Sam Mayer, a multi-time road course winner, can attest to early on. He went for a spin on lap three, bringing out the caution for the first time.

That was far from the last issue for the series’ top stars. Defending Series Champion and current point leader Justin Allgaier had an issue that knocked him from contention early as well. His No. 7 Chevy. It happened to be a transmission issue for Allgaier. They got it resolved, but he ended the race 34th, 15 laps down.

Meanwhile, Suarez was able to motor his way into the top 20 rather quickly while all the issues for others were happening.

Strategy Hands Stage Wins to JR Motorsports

By the end of the first stage, it started to feel like it was going to be a JR Motorsports day despite the issues for Allgaier. You had Zilisch in contention, along with Suarez. Plus, Carson Kvapil was able to win the opening stage after staying out while others pitted before the stage break. Sammy Smith was also making moves in his No. 8 Chevy.

Hard racing plus the elevation really shook things up during the closing laps of the second stage. Smith made a gamble play and stayed out, while Zilisch and Gibbs had a very close pit road battle. While that was happening, Bell’s day went up in smoke, and he had to stop at the end of the pit lane. Which, in most cases, likely brings out a caution. But for once, NASCAR didn’t throw the yellow.

Hold on to Your Hats

Daniel Suarez found himself right at the front for the restart for the final stage. He was certainly in a good spot, as all the cars raced into the first turn. Things got ugly for several of the drivers who had been at the front all race, including Zilisch and Gibbs. A multi-car wreck brought the exciting race to a screaming halt.

Following the incident, it became very clear this race was coming down to Suarez and the No. 54 of Taylor Gray. A late spin by Jesse Love may have spoiled the excitement for the hometown hero Daniel Suarez. But despite a little contact from Gray, Daniel was able to hold off a charge from the rookie and capture victory in Mexico City.

More Racing in Mexico?

Seeing Suarez win in Mexico is huge for him, and everyone who attended Saturday’s Xfinity Series race. All the action certainly proves that this return to Mexico City was successful. Not to mention the excitement the Cup race put on. The emotion from Daniel following the race was simply wonderful. Some wins just mean more, and that was true for Suarez on Saturday.

The reaction alone has to at least keep Mexico City on the schedule somehow.