NASCAR news: Daniel Suarez dominates as he claims maiden Cup Series win at Sonoma
- Planet Sport writer
- 13 June 2022
Mexican driver Daniel Suarez led for nearly half ot the 110 laps on Sunday night as he claimed his maiden Cup Series win at Sonoma Raceway, California.
After 195 Cup Series starts in his career, Daniel Suarez finally wrapped up his first victory on Sunday evening, finishing 3.8s ahead of runner-up Chris Buescher.
While it was Suarez' first career win, it was the third this season for second-year Trackhouse Racing team, who all rushed over to celebrate with their driver after he crossed the line.
Of the 110 laps, Suarez impressively led 47 of them, as the 30-year-old put on a masterful display in California.
Suarez looked out of contention early on, with Chase Elliott and his Hendrick teammate Kyle Larson storming to the front. But rare pitstop errors by the team left the duo with ground to make up, and Suarez took advantage of their mishap.
🏁: History is made! @Daniel_SuarezG becomes the first Mexican driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series race!
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 12, 2022
🏁: ¡Triunfo histórico! Daniel Suárez se convierte en el primer piloto mexicano en ganar una carrera de la NASCAR Cup Series. pic.twitter.com/wOjtd2ekh1
Both Elliott and Larson led 26 laps each during the race, but the former was forced to serve a penalty after pitting outside of his box, while Larson's front right tyre came loose after stopping in the pits.
With Suarez able to capitalise on their mistake, the Mexican driver ended up winning the race by one of the largest margins this season, with his No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet able to pull away from the chasing pack.
Following his win, he lifted a Mexican flag out his window that read "Win numero uno". By claiming his career-first victory, he becomes the fifth different driver not born in the United States to win in the premier series; joining Marcos Ambrose (Australia), Juan Pablo Montoya (Colombia), Earl Ross (Canada) and Mario Andretti (Italy).
From Monterrey, Mexico, introducing the newest winner in the NASCAR Cup Series. pic.twitter.com/65wCTBJ5LN
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 13, 2022
"I have so many thoughts in my head right now," said Suarez.
"So very happy we were able to make it work," Suárez added, saying of his team, "They believed in me from day one."
Suarez marks the 12th different race winner of the 2022 season, and the top-four finishing drivers on Sunday were all looking for their first win of the season. Front Row Motorsports driver Michael McDowell finished third, followed by Stewart-Haas Racing's Kevin Harvick in fourth.
The Cup Series now takes an off-week before returning on June 26 for the Ally 400 at the Nashville Superspeedway.
