Daniel Suarez says Spire Motorsports' rise in the NASCAR Cup Series is no accident. On the eve of the 18th race of the 2026 season, Suarez sits eighth in the Cup Series points standings.
What happened?
Suarez has one win, two top-five finishes, and an average finish of 13.65 so far this season. He credits the team's success to years of hard work.
Why it matters for Daniel Suarez
Suarez joined Spire this season after five years with Trackhouse Racing. He scored his best road course finish of the season in San Diego last weekend, finishing 13th.
What comes next?
Suarez will compete in the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on Sunday, where he earned his first Cup victory in 2022. He qualified 21st for the race.
Suarez's Spire teammates showed impressive speed, with Carson Hocevar qualifying second and Michael McDowell fourth. Suarez is proud to be part of the team and acknowledges there is still room for improvement.
The 34-year-old driver is also following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, rooting for Mexico, then Brazil, and the United States. His wife, Julia Piquet, is supporting the Netherlands.
Suarez won the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway this season in the No. 7 Chevrolet. It was his first crown-jewel victory and the third Cup Series win of his career.
Suarez spoke with Fox Sports' Bob Pockrass, saying nothing happens by luck. He believes the team's success is a result of hard work and dedication.
The NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway is scheduled for 2:50 p.m. CT on Sunday. Suarez is looking to build on his strong start to the season and continue to improve with his team.
Suarez's average finish of 13.65 is one of the strongest starts of his Cup career. He has a 116-point cushion over the cutline and is well-positioned to make a run in the playoffs.
The Toyota/Save Mart 350 will be a challenging race, but Suarez is confident in his team's abilities. He is looking to capitalize on his past success at Sonoma Raceway and bring home a strong finish.
Suarez's success is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. He continues to be a top competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series and is a driver to watch in the coming weeks.
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with Suarez and his team at the forefront. Fans can tune in to the Toyota/Save Mart 350 on Sunday to see Suarez in action.