NASCAR driver Daniel Suarez recently became an American citizen, taking the oath at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services field office in Charlotte, North Carolina. The naturalization ceremony was attended by nearly 50 people, including NASCAR president Steve Phelps and members of the Trackhouse Racing team, as well as his fiancee, which came as a surprise to Suarez.
Suarez expressed his gratitude for the support he received during the ceremony, stating, “The most special part of everything was, you see so many people there. I was not expecting it. I was not expecting to see so many people.” He reflected on his parents’ decision not to travel to the United States for his birth, noting that they had considered it for more opportunities. However, Suarez took initiative to pursue citizenship, emphasizing that it wasn’t originally a dream of his but a step towards feeling more secure and belonging in the country.
The NASCAR driver shared that he began the process of becoming a citizen about six years ago, with his team even quizzing him ahead of his citizenship test in April. Despite his initial focus on racing and competition, Suarez acknowledged the importance of taking on more responsibilities in his life and feeling a sense of belonging in the United States.
Suarez, who has two career Cup wins, including a historic finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway, has demonstrated his dedication both on and off the track. His journey to citizenship serves as a testament to his perseverance and commitment to achieving his goals. As Suarez continues to make strides in his racing career, his American citizenship marks a significant milestone in his personal and professional life.