Ahead of the NASCAR Brickyard Primary, Daniel Suarez teamed up with B.R.A.K.E.S. Teen Pro-Active Driving School and Freeway Insurance on a video series to promote safe teenage driving. Suarez will be driving through the course and providing insight on how to curb the more than 2700 teen deaths from car crashes in 2020 alone.
Recently, we had a chance to sit down with Daniel Suarez and talk more about his work with B.R.A.K.E.S. , his entry into the NASCAR playoffs, and more.
- How did you get involved with the BRAKES program?
- This is one of many projects started by Freeway Insurance. Freeway began a program this summer to stop all street racing and was looking to make a difference in the lives of drivers. I think it was a natural progression to see the work Doug Herbert is doing with B.R.A.K.E.S and want to be part of it.
- What is the most important fact people should take away after watching your videos?
- I think it is to arm yourself with the knowledge and skills, so you don’t panic no matter what happens when you are driving a car. That’s especially true for teen drivers who are just starting out. This program teaches them what to do so when something does happen, they are prepared and won’t panic.
- What kind of driver were you as a teenager?
- I learned to drive very early in Mexico. I think I was pretty good.
- Did you learn anything by working with BRAKES that will help you as a competitor and everyday commuter?
- Just the thought process of knowing the right thing to do and having the confidence to do it. That happens before you get in a race car or passenger car. If you put in the work ahead of time, educate yourself then you are ready when something unexpected happens.
- Do you feel that you have become more recognizable since your win earlier this season?
- Yes, I see more No. 99 shirts and hats at the racetrack. That’s a good feeling I hope we keep seeing more and more and I think we will.
- How has working with Pitbull changed your career?
- I admire Pitbull. He came from humble beginnings and now he dedicates his life to making everything better for everyone.
- Do you think that your recent successes will bring more Hispanic fans into NASCAR?
- I do. I want to show them that they are welcome at NASCAR races. There is a place for them. When I won at Sonoma, we had a bunch of people from Daniel’s Amigos as guests and they had such a good time. It’s going to take a while, but I think we are making progress. Once you get someone to the track and they see the speeds, hear the sounds, see the whole thing they are hooked for the rest of their lives.
- What has been your favorite thing about working with Freeway Insurance?
- Freeway does a great job of helping people out with their insurance needs. They make the process simple and affordable, and they like to have some fun along the way. They are great friends of mine and a company who really supports racing.
We’d like to thank Freeway Insurance, Trackhouse Racing, and Daniel Suarez for helping to make this interview possible. For more insight into the minds of pro racers, team owners, and racing superfans, be sure to tune to Speedway Digest Thursday Night Thunder!
NHRA, IHRA, Motocross and other forms of motorsports Staff writer
About Me: Adam has been a race fan since the first time he went through the tunnel under the Daytona International Speedway almost 30 years ago. He has had the privilege of travelling to races all across the state of Florida (as well as one race in Ohio), watching nearly everything with a motor compete for fame and glory, as well as participating in various racing schools to get the feel of what racecar drivers go through every week. Adam has spent the last three years covering motorsports for Examiner.com., where he had the opportunity to see the racing world from behind the scenes as well as the grandstands. He invites everyone to follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google Plus, and looks forward to sharing his enthusiasm for all things racing with the readers of SpeedwayDigest.com.Be sure to tune in for his weekly sports talk program, Thursday Night Thunder, where he discusses the latest in motorsports news with drivers, crew members, and fans. The show takes place every Thursday at 8:00 pm EST on the Speedway Digest Radio Network.
About Me: Adam has been a race fan since the first time he went through the tunnel under the Daytona International Speedway almost 30 years ago. He has had the privilege of travelling to races all across the state of Florida (as well as one race in Ohio), watching nearly everything with a motor compete for fame and glory, as well as participating in various racing schools to get the feel of what racecar drivers go through every week. Adam has spent the last three years covering motorsports for Examiner.com., where he had the opportunity to see the racing world from behind the scenes as well as the grandstands. He invites everyone to follow him on Twitter, Facebook, and Google Plus, and looks forward to sharing his enthusiasm for all things racing with the readers of SpeedwayDigest.com.Be sure to tune in for his weekly sports talk program, Thursday Night Thunder, where he discusses the latest in motorsports news with drivers, crew members, and fans. The show takes place every Thursday at 8:00 pm EST on the Speedway Digest Radio Network.
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