To celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, NASCAR Studios collaborated with Wilmer Valderrama’s WV Alternative and FOX Sports to create a one-hour documentary showcasing Cup driver Daniel Suárez’s return home for a historic NASCAR race weekend in Mexico City. The film premiered on FOX Sports 1 on Thursday, September 17, and will be available for streaming on Tubi TV starting Saturday, October 17, covering audiences in the U.S., Mexico, and Latin America. FOX Sports 1 will also air several replays shortly after the premiere, including slots at 11 p.m. EST on Friday, September 18, and 8 a.m. EST on Saturday, September 19.
For the first time since 1958, the NASCAR Cup Series held an international race, selecting the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City as the venue. Both the NASCAR Cup Series and the O’Reilly (formerly Xfinity) Series participated in this landmark event in June 2025, with Suárez competing in both races.
Barry Nugent, Vice President of Development & Original Programming at FOX Sports, highlighted the emotional depth of Suárez’s story, emphasizing how it embodies perseverance, sacrifice, and pride in one’s roots. Suárez is notable as the only driver born outside the U.S. to have won a national NASCAR championship and remains the sole international winner across all three national series.
The documentary chronicles Suárez’s challenging ascent through the ranks and his move to the U.S. driven by hope and ambition. It centers on the intense emotions surrounding the Mexico race weekend, from triumphant moments to significant setbacks. Suárez also shares his deep affection for America, becoming an American citizen in 2024, while candidly addressing the complicated political tensions between Mexico and the U.S., particularly in the context of immigration policies during the Trump administration.
Additionally, the film connects to his 2026 Coca-Cola 600 victory, contrasting it with the disappointment he faced in the same race the previous year.
Reflecting on the documentary, Suárez said, “Returning to Mexico to race in front of my home country was a dream come true, though I didn’t fully grasp its significance until I was there. That weekend was filled with intense emotions—from pressure and support to reflection on my journey. Mexico is a huge part of my identity, and competing there at the highest level was incredibly meaningful. I hope viewers come away inspired to pursue their dreams, wherever they begin.”
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Fan Take: This documentary offers NASCAR fans a heartfelt glimpse into the life and struggles of a trailblazing driver who is breaking barriers in the sport. Daniel Suárez’s story not only enriches the cultural diversity of NASCAR but also inspires future generations with its message of resilience and pride in heritage, signaling a more inclusive and globally connected future for racing.
Source: www.motorsport.com
