By Jerry Jordan, Editor

CHULA VISTA, Calif. – Mexican-born NASCAR star Daniel Suarez rolled out a fresh twist on his popular Daniel’s Amigos fan experience this past week in San Diego, trading events centered around the racetrack itself for the tight, technical corners of K1 Speed’s indoor go-kart track in Chula Vista.

The result? Pure, unfiltered fun that left everyone smiling and wanting more.

In a lively post-karting chat, Suarez reflected on the unique evening.

“This is the first time we’ve done it in a K1,” Suarez said. “I personally enjoy it a lot. I think we will do it again.”

Suarez took on a number of challengers behind on the indoor course, including a group of media members whom he showed little mercy. Battling it out on the track and pushing the slower media members out of his way as he lapped the field, Suarez might have forgotten it’s not nice to rough up the people writing articles about you.

Suarez quickly countered after this reporter joked about seeking a “NASCAR review” of his driving, saying, “I only hit the slow drivers.”

The evening wasn’t just about laughs. It offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at a driver staying sharp and connected with fans. Suarez emphasized the value of mixing things up when it comes to the Amigos program.

“We’ve had Daniel’s Amigos at the racetrack plenty of times … this was something different and a lot of fun.”

The Spire Motorsports driver sounded confident in his season, already having one win in the books at the Coca-Cola 600. The No. 7 team has been a consistent front-runner almost every week, qualifying up front and racing competitively.

“Ninety percent of the time we’re up front,” Suarez said proudly. “We’re still not the best car out there … but I feel like we’re inching our way there.”

As for the Daniel’s Amigos event at K1 Speed it was a huge success in many ways, especially since it was the first time NASCAR had been to the area since before many of the young participants were born. Because of Suarez and his sponsors, the Daniel’s Amigos program continues to deliver more of exactly what racing needs – accessible, high-energy interaction that bridges the gap between stars and fans. Suarez continues to prove he belongs at the front of the pack, both on and off the track.