Key Takeaways:
* NASCAR star Daniel Suarez is now a U.S. citizen after a 12-year process.
* Suarez will hold dual citizenship of both his native Mexico and the United States.
* The NASCAR driver initially came to the U.S. on a tourist visa before obtaining a work visa and then a green card.
* He studied for the citizenship test with his fiancee, Julia Piquet.
* Suarez’s history-making career continues as he pursues his eighth season in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Daniel Suarez Takes the U.S. Citizenship Oath
After a 12-year journey, NASCAR Cup Series driver Daniel Suarez has become a U.S. citizen. On July 18, Suarez attended the U.S. Citizenship Oath Ceremony, marking a significant milestone in his life. Suarez, originally from Mexico, now carries the pride of dual citizenship representing both nations.
“I still can’t quite grasp how big a deal this is. But I know it’s very special to finally reach this point,” shared Suarez during an interview on June 15, ahead of the Iowa Corn 350.
Journey to Citizenship: A Long Road Traveled
For many, the process of obtaining U.S. citizenship is a complex and extended one. Suarez is no exception. He initially stepped foot on American soil on a tourist visa with dreams to race. As his career on the track flourished, he secured a work visa and eventually a green card.
“I don’t think most people realize just how much it takes to get to this point,” reflected Suarez post-race on June 16.
Role of Love in This Milestone
A significant part of Suarez’s process involved studying for the citizenship test – an activity that became a fun game between him and his fiancee, Julia Piquet.
“Julia helped me immensely. She turned into my tutor, and we had fun times in the hauler quizzing each other and turning it into dinner games. This made the whole learning experience faster and more enjoyable,” expressed Suarez.
Suarez’s impending wedding to Piquet further fuelled his push to obtain his green card. Fearing deportation in the event of potential issues without citizenship, it was more than a paperwork process for him; it was about securing a future for his family.
Suarez’s Ongoing NASCAR Journey
As a driving force in the world of international motorsports, Suarez’s status on the race track remains untouched. Currently, he is participating in his eighth NASCAR Cup Series, his fourth season with Trackhouse Racing. Notably, Trackhouse Racing is co-owned in part by popular musician Pitbull.
His global fan community, ‘Daniel’s Amigos,’ cheers him on as he blazes a stunning career trail. Already a pioneering figure, Suarez made history in 2022 as the first Mexican-born driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series race.
Currently 18th in the 2024 season with three top-ten finishes and two top-five, Suarez is expected to be part of the Cup Series playoffs, thanks to his win earlier this year. With such an illustrious career history, including bagging the Sunoco Rookie of the Year award in 2015 and the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship in 2016, Suarez continues striving on the tracks.
Always surrounded by a whirlwind of excitement, Suarez continues to garner attention, this time for his acquired dual citizenship status. As a historic Mexican-born NASA Cup Series race winner, he now works towards being the first dual citizen to bring victory home on the NASCAR track. Can he set the bar even higher and make history once again? Only time will tell.