NASCAR News: Cup Series driver confirmed for Brazil special edition on legendary Interlagos track

NASCAR has confirmed that Daniel Suárez, who currently competes in the Cup Series, will participate in the NASCAR Brazil Series Special Edition race, scheduled to take place August 2-4 at the legendary Autódromo José Carlos Pace, also known as Interlagos, in São Paulo.

This race has a personal meaning for Suárez, as he will marry his fiancée Julia Piquet, the daughter of former F1 champion Nelson Piquet, in Brazil. On the occasion, Suárez said, according to NASCAR.com:

“Brazil is a country that is very dear to my heart. Julia (Piquet, my fiancée) is already from Brazil. Her whole family is in Brazil. I have been competing in endurance races in Brazil since 2015, in go-karts, and I have gotten to know the culture, the people and the love of motorsport on a different level. I have been competing practically every year since 2015 and I enjoy it so much. That’s why I do it.

“We’re getting married in Brazil in a few weeks and when I found out there was going to be a NASCAR race in Brazil at Interlagos at a track with such history… it was a no-brainer for me. I started talking to NASCAR and NASCAR Brazil and I got the opportunity, I was super excited. I’m very happy to have this opportunity.”

Debuting in Brazil in 2023 following a partnership between NASCAR and the GT Sprint Race Series, the NASCAR Brazil Series represents a significant step in NASCAR’s ongoing efforts to expand its global presence. Interlagos is known in the motorsports world for its challenging track layout and rich history as a host to major international racing events.

Chad Seigler, NASCAR Vice President and Chief International Officer, emphasized the importance of such international events to NASCAR’s growth strategy. He explained:

“Any time we have an opportunity to really bring that attention internationally, it’s great. It’s an opportunity from multiple sides. As far as NASCAR goes, we’re trying to grow the brand internationally. We’re trying to give people a better understanding of stock car and NASCAR racing, so that’s great for us.

“But I think another aspect is quite crucial for the young drivers coming up. It’s no different than if you’re a driver coming up in our weekly touring car series here in the United States. To have a driver like Daniel in front of them to show them that if you want to race in the United States, there is a path.”

Suárez’s entry into the race is also significant given the many Brazilian drivers who have made their mark on NASCAR, including Christian Fittipaldi, Nelson Piquet Jr. and Miguel Paludo. Suárez added:

“When I got the invitation, Julia was the very first person I had to attend. I truly believe that Julia loves racing as much or more than I do. She loves racing so much. She goes to all the races and something that is very interesting is that this series, NASCAR Brazil, before it was called NASCAR Brazil a few years ago, came to the United States… they did a few races and Julia was invited and actually drove in that series a few years ago.

“So I thought maybe I should ask for some advice. We’re really excited. It’s going to be a lot of fun. Her brother Nelson and her mother live in Sao Paulo and they’re going to go to the race and have fun with us.”

The race will take place with a two-week break in the NASCAR Cup Series during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.