Many of the drivers this weekend remarked about the huge local support shown to Trackhouse Racing’s Daniel Suarez, a Mexico native and the number leader of promoting NASCAR’s race in Mexico City.
Asked what he would do if it came down to him and Suarez for the victory, veteran and road racing talent, Spire Motorsports driver Michael McDowell smiled and conceded he’d already thought about that scenario.
“I was reminiscing about that. I was like, you do not want to spin out (Daniel) Suarez here, I can tell you that,’’ McDowell said. “You do not want to do that. That is not a part of your strategy for the weekend.
“But my crew chief and I were talking about it and he said, what do you mean? You’re telling me last lap, last corner, you’re not going to move him out of the way? I’m like, no, I’m not. I think that when it comes to that, in the moment, things happen. If you’re side-by-side and you’re racing hard and you’re doing all those things, our sports like that, I’m not going to give up a win. You guys know how much wins mean in this sport and getting into the playoffs and everything that comes with it.
“You’re never going to lay over for anybody. At the same time, I’m not going to go out of my way to rough him up, that’s for sure. I think that goes the same for everybody. I think that’s part of the weird etiquette at road course racing.”
23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace conceded the grid was definitely going to be aware of the huge crowd favorite Suarez.
“I’ve seen [Team Penske driver] Ryan’s (Blaney) video this morning, and if there is one rule this week – is to not wreck Suarez, and I’m like I didn’t think about that, but definitely adopting that rule too,” Wallace said smiling.
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