The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season kicked off with the traditional Daytona 500, and Mexican driver Daniel Suárez was once again a protagonist by finishing 13th at the Daytona International Speedway.
Although he did not make it into the top 10, Suárez remained competitive in a race marked by multiple incidents, especially in the final laps. A couple of crashes in the final turn changed the finishing order and allowed the driver from Monterrey to advance positions at the end of the race. The winner was Tyler Reddick, who took the victory at the wheel of the 23XI Racing Toyota, a team co-owned by Denny Hamlin and NBA legend Michael Jordan. Reddick led only the last lap, enough to cross the checkered flag first.
A dramatic finish at Daytona
The definition was intense.
With nine laps to go, Denny Hamlin and teammate Christopher Bell were involved in an incident that caused a yellow flag and regrouped the pack.
On the final lap, Chase Elliott appeared to be on his way to his first Daytona 500 victory after taking advantage of a mistake by then-leader Carson Hocevar.
However, Reddick made a decisive move, overpowering Elliott after contact that resulted in a collision and securing the win.
For Daniel Suarez, surviving the chaos was key.
In a competition where finishing the race is already a challenge, the Mexican managed to hold his ground and score important points at the beginning of the championship.
What does this result mean for Daniel Suárez?
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He is the only full-time Mexican driver in the NASCAR Cup Series who continues to consolidate his position as a Latin American reference in U.S. motorsports.
A 13th place finish in the Daytona 500 for Daniel Suarez represents a solid start at a track known for its unpredictability.
For the Hispanic community in the United States – especially in states such as Texas, California, Arizona and Nevada – Suarez’s presence in NASCAR continues to be a source of pride.
As well as a gateway for new Latino motorsports fans.
Daniel Suárez was once again a key contender
QuéOnnda.com
Where to watch NASCAR in the United States?
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series airs in the United States on networks such as FOX and NBC.
This will depend on the calendar, as well as official streaming platforms.
It is recommended to review the weekly schedule, as coverage rotates during the season.
Tyler Reddick’s win also stands out because of the business context.
23XI Racing, a team backed by Michael Jordan, was involved in recent discussions about NASCAR’s revenue sharing model, an issue that was resolved after a legal settlement.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
