Dale Earnhardt Jr. 'thankful' that Daniel Suarez 'got to show what he can do' at Mexico City

As a NASCAR Xfinity Series team owner, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has quite an eye for talent. 

While certainly true of the four drivers that make up JR Motorsports' full-time lineup, it's a statement that also rings true for the drivers he chooses to pilot the team's "All-Star car," a vehicle reserved for Cup Series drivers or others who come in for either a one-off or a few select races. 

That's why it was no surprise that when Earnhardt Jr. tapped 2016 Xfinity Series champion and full-time Cup Series driver Daniel Suarez to run the Xfinity Series race in Mexico City, Suarez came home as the victor in a race where the No. 9 he drove to victory was initially meant to be piloted by Shane van Gisbergen. 

In a poetic twist, the deal was struck for Suarez to drive the No. 9 Chevrolet at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. And in a Hollywood ending, it was Suarez who went from last to first in a backup car to win in front of a partisan home crowd. 

"I was so thankful for him (Suarez) to have a moment like he had today," Earnhardt Jr. said in a news conference following Suarez's victory. "I know he wants to win again tomorrow, but I'm thankful he got to show what he can do and give everybody here in attendance something to get excited about and cheer for."

Regardless of what happens to Suarez in Sunday's Cup Series race, he certainly gave the fans something a moment they won't ever forget — and an experience his car owner, if only for the day, in Earnhardt Jr., won't forget, either.