The Aut�dromo Hermanos Rodr�guez roared to life as Daniel Su�rez pulled off a stunner, charging from dead last to first in the Xfinity Series Chilango 150. The Mexico native weaved through chaos in the 65-lap thriller, grabbing the lead after a wild three-wide battle with Connor Zilisch and Ty Gibbs. Zilisch spun out of Turn 1, Gibbs and Carson Kvapil tangled, and Su�rez slipped ahead under caution. A late scrape with Taylor Gray sent Su�rez onto the grass in Turns 2 and 3, but NASCAR ruled he was forced off, letting him keep the lead. Holding off Gray and Austin Hill, Su�rez clinched his first Xfinity win at home since 2008, igniting the Mexico City crowd.

Su�rez crashed his JR Motorsports Chevy in qualifying, slamming into Turn 11s wall after locking the brakes. The wreck forced him into a half-painted backup car, a humbling start for the 33-year-old. Yet, the 2016 Xfinity champ, who became the first Mexican to win a NASCAR national series title, turned disaster into triumph. That 2016 crown led to a Cup Series ride with Joe Gibbs Racing after Carl Edwards sudden retirement, but this Mexico win, in front of his home fans, felt like a full-circle moment.

Su�rezs last-to-first charge at a track he knows like the back of his hand showed his grit and boosted his stock amid a shaky 2025. With NASCARs Cup Series debuting in Mexico, Su�rezs star power is undeniable, even as he fights for his Trackhouse Racing future. Now, after that historic win and hope, an old friend has extended his best wishes with along with a small request for Roger Penske.

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Pato OWard celebrated his amigo Su�rezs win in Mexico

Pato OWard, Su�rezs fellow Monterrey native, didnt hold back his excitement, I am super happy for him hopefully he can win tomorrow in Cup as well. he said. Their bond runs deep, forged in the crucible of Escuder�a Telmex/Telcel, Carlos Slims motorsport pipeline that shaped Mexican stars like Su�rez, OWard, and Sergio Checo P�rez. As karting and junior formula teammates, they shared dreams, discipline, and a pride in their roots. Now, with Su�rez in NASCAR and OWard in IndyCar, their friendship endures, rooted in mutual respect and a push to elevate Mexican motorsport. OWards words arent just hypetheyre a nod to a brother-in-arms chasing glory.

Su�rezs Xfinity win couldnt have come at a better time. Sitting 28th in the Cup standings with a 21.1 average finish, his fifth year with Trackhouse Racing has been rough. Last years Atlanta win and 12th-place finish got him into the playoffs, but 2025s struggles have fueled doubts about his No. 99 seat. Trackhouse has four driversSu�rez, Shane van Gisbergen, Ross Chastain, and Xfinity prospect Connor Zilisch for three 2026 Cup spots. Chastains locked in through 2027, but van Gisbergens deal isnt ironclad, and Zilischs Cup reps add pressure. Su�rezs Mexico triumph, though, is a real shot in his arm.

The Aut�dromo Hermanos Rodr�guez, hosting NASCARs first Cup points race since 1958, is Su�rezs stage. His international fame, amplified by hometown fans, makes him a marketing goldmine. The Xfinity win proves he can deliver on a road course despite starting last in a backup car. If he can pull off a Cup win, as OWard hopes, itd be a massive boost for his contract talks. Trackhouses owners, including Pitbull, value Su�rezs cultural pull, and this performance screams hes worth keeping.

OWards support isnt just personal, its patriotic. Both drivers carry Mexicos flag in their sports, and Su�rezs success could pave the way for more motorsport in their homeland. But seeing his friends being able to enjoy the moment with the home crowd left the IndyCar driver wishing the same for himself.

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OWards IndyCar dream for Mexico

Pato OWards not just cheering for Su�rezhes pushing for IndyCar to join the party at Aut�dromo Hermanos Rodr�guez. Asked about IndyCar racing in Mexico, he said, I think its super close to happening, I think that question is above me. I am just a racing driver. I think its gonna happen and I really hope it happens, talks are going on so I am being faithful. OWards been relentless, publicly urging IndyCar bosses to seize the moment. Hes even offered to fund a race himself and has been pitching a Mexico date since 2021, driven by his massive popularity as Americas top IndyCar driver and a Mexican star.

Talks are heating up for a 2026 race in Mexico City. Promoters like Alejandro Sober�n, who backs F1s Mexico City Grand Prix, are in deep negotiations with IndyCar, citing OWards hometown hero status as a draw. Penske Entertainment CEO Mark Miles called Mexico a market of heavy interest, noting logistics are simpler than some U.S. races. Negotiations are quite far along, with April 2026 as a target. The Aut�dromo, shared with F1 and NASCAR, is the likely venue, though revamping Monterreys Parque Fundidora is a long-shot option needing big investment.

IndyCar hasnt raced in Mexico since 2007s Champ Car days, and no modern circuit has hosted since. OWards push, backed by draft proposals and promoter enthusiasm, could change that. His star power, like Su�rezs in NASCAR, is a catalyst, drawing crowds and sponsors. A Mexico race would be a homecoming for OWard, mirroring Su�rezs Xfinity triumph, and could elevate IndyCars global reach.

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