Daniel Suárez Utterly Disappointed After Two DNFs at Daytona, Attempting 800 Miles

Published 02/21/2024, 4:22 AM HKT

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USA Today via Reuters

Daniel Suarez suffered a double setback at Daytona International Speedway, displaying his guts and grit. he raced in the legendary Daytona 500 and the United Rentals 300 on the same day, seeking to cover 800 miles of high-speed racing. However, his hopes were dashed when he encountered two DNFs results.

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Unanticipated circumstances hindered Suarez’s NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series seasons. Despite his ability and commitment, Daytona was harsh on him when he emphasized the relentless nature of professional stock car racing.

Daniel Suarez Speaks Out: The Story Behind His Xfinity Daytona Crash

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Amid the Xfinity post-race commotion, Daniel Suarez offered insights into the crash. Following the race, Suarez found himself at the care center, a scenario he hoped to avoid. He recounts his intention to acclimate to the car’s dynamics, “I was getting used to everything, wanted to move around, learn about the car,” affirms Suarez.

Reflecting on the incident, Suarez expressed disappointment, citing the unexpected chain reaction that led to the crash. “It was a chain reaction. They slowed down; I slowed down. Somebody came from behind and hit me.”

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When asked what could he have done differently, the Mexican could only express, “I slowed down just hard enough not to hit the car in front. Don’t know what else I could have done differently. I got hit from behind,” expresses Daniel.

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It is worth mentioning that the Xfinity race, which was supposed to happen at 11 am ET, before the 4 pm Cup race, got delayed and it ended up happening an hour after the Daytona 500. So at the point of this Frontstretch interview, Suárez has had a long day. And it mostly had to do with this outing at the Great American Race, which also didn’t go well.

How did Daniel Suarez fall short on his Daytona 500 bid?

Suarez’s Daytona 500 weekend started strong after a promising performance in the Duels, placing him 13th on the lineup grid. Racing alongside teammate Ross Chastain, Suarez showcased competitive prowess, clinching 10th in Stage 1 and 3rd in Stage 2. Unfortunately, a late accident hampered his growth.

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The race went well until chaos broke out. With just nine laps to go, came in the notorious Big One. The pileup involved 21 cars and resulted in a red flag, jeopardizing Daniel’s progress. 

Commentators noted the intense jockeying for position among cars, highlighting the risks involved. Suarez found himself caught in the melee, symbolizing the unpredictable nature of NASCAR racing. The incident mirrored similar scenarios witnessed in previous races, underscoring the challenges drivers face in avoiding collisions.

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Brad Keselowski Surprisingly Claims “Things Happen” as Ford Loses to Chevrolet Amidst Daytona’s Big One

As the checkered flag dropped at Daytona, Daniel Suarez’s narrative was majorly one of suffering. Still, with each race, he exemplifies perseverance, leaving fans anxious for the next story on the track. What to you think is in store for the 32-year-old?

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Written by:

Susamay Dey

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Susamay Dey is a NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports. Combining his passion for writing and motorsports, he has gone on to pen down numerous articles on Stock Car Racing's fan favorites, like Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, and Bubba Wallace. While his strength lies in Core Sport reporting, he can also cover lifestyle pieces, enlightening fans about the lesser-known facts about NASCAR stars and their personal lives.
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Edited by:

Ranvijay Singh

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