Why is Daniel Suarez driving JRM's Xfinity car instead of Shane van Gisbergen in Mexico City?

Daniel Suarez is driving the JR Motorsports Xfinity car in Mexico City instead of Shane Van Gisbergen because the team and sponsor Quaker State specifically arranged for Suarez to race in the car. Suarez, who is a Monterrey native and the 2016 Xfinity Series champion, is set to compete in the race as a homecoming event.

Suarez’s participation will highlight NASCAR’s return to Mexico and connect with the local fan base, given his status as the only Mexican driver to win at the Cup Series level. JR Motorsports and Trackhouse Racing collaborated to make this opportunity possible, allowing Suarez to race in the #9 on June 14 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Daniel Suarez shared his thoughts on racing in both the Xfinity Series and the Cup series, said:

“I’m super excited for the event. I’m super excited to live in the moment because the first time is going to only happen once. I’m really trying to be as present as possible; enjoy the moment and try to execute the best possible weekend that we can. We know that we are capable of winning the race, but that’s not the goal. The goal is the execution of the entire weekend, and hopefully the win is the result of the execution part.” (via Field Level Media)

Suarez is a trailblazing Mexican-American stock car driver, competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for Trackhouse Racing. Suarez began his racing journey in karting and quickly began progressing through the ranks of Mexican Motorsports.

He became the youngest winner in the NASCAR Mexico Mini-Stocks series and later earned Rookie of the Year honors in the NASCAR Mexico Series. He made a significant mark on American motorsport as part of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program and ultimately captured the 2016 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship with Joe Gibbs Racing.

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Daniel Suarez sends a clear message to rivals as NASCAR returns to his hometown

Daniel Suarez revealed his mindset ahead of the inaugural Cup Series race in Mexico City. The Monterrey native shared that he would adopt a “selfish” mindset and solely focus on performance and victory.

To capitalize on the rare opportunity to race on home soil Suarez has taken proactive steps to acclimate to the high-altitude conditions of Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. The NASCAR driver arrived in Mexico City earlier than usual to train and prepare for the Viva México 250.

"Once we get to Friday, it’s time to be selfish because I want to be the best version of myself, and I know we can win the race. But for that, I have to execute everything right, and I have to be on my game. So I’m going to be traveling to Mexico City very early, way earlier than normal (he flew Tuesday), so I can acclimate with the altitude, I can start training a little bit." (via The Athletic)

Daniel Suarez is ranked 28th in the driver standings and is facing contract uncertainty for 2026 with Trackhouse Racing.