Daniel Suárez has faced a number of challenges in his life, but possibly none bigger than the one he is about to encounter this Saturday in just his second year as a NASCAR driver. If he prevails at the Homestead-Miami Speedway, he would become the NASCAR Xfinity Series champion for the first time while attempting to fill his hometown of Monterrey, Mexico, with pride.

“People in Mexico are really happy and anxious for what’s to come this weekend. I have had so much support from so many people. My friends, my family and even the pit crew I used to have when I was racing in Mexico will be here [to cheer me on],” Suárez said during NASCAR’s Media Day session on Thursday in Miami Beach.

“La gente en México está muy contenta, ansiosa por lo que se viene este fin de semana. Ha habido demasiado apoyo de mucha gente. Mis amigos, mi familia y hasta mis mecánicos de cuando yo solía correr en México van a estar aquí. Lo voy a disfrutar al máximo pase lo que pase, aunque esperemos que sea con un campeonato”.

There is no doubt that last season's Rookie of the Year is moved by the significance of the most important race of his life so far.

“I will enjoy it to the fullest no matter what, but let’s hope that I’m celebrating a championship in the end.”

Suárez isn’t the only one rooting for that outcome. Some of the most prominent drivers in NASCAR are also pulling for him, none more so than Carl Edwards, Suarez’s teammate at Joe Gibbs racing, two-time top series runner-up and winner of the second division series (then Busch Series) back in 2007.

“Daniel is really impressive. He is a really nice person to begin with, and also a really hard worker. If you take the experience that he has, Daniel shouldn’t be running the way he is. He is incredibly gifted, and I really enjoy being around him,” said Edwards, whom Suárez has grown closer to as the season progressed and whom he proudly calls one of his mentors as they both go for glory at Homestead.

“I think that I’ve learned so much throughout this year. [Edwards] has helped me a lot. It is going to be a lot of fun to watch that race on Sunday, and hopefully, one day, I can be battling for a championship with them myself. It has been so much fun. I’m profoundly grateful with the people that have been supporting me,” Suárez said.

Daniel Suarez driving #19 Arris Toyota, in the lead here at Phoenix International Raceway last week. Suarez finished fifth. Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images

Not only has he gained the support and love of his teammates, but Suárez has earned the respect and admiration of veterans like Jimmie Johnson, who, along with Edwards, is among the four finalists vying for the Sprint Cup.

“I’m excited for Daniel. He has come so far in his talent and abilities. I think he has a fantastic opportunity to win a championship,” Johnson said.

When a six-time champion who is going for his seventh title and aims to join legends such as Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Jr. speaks, the sport listens.

Maturity beyond his years

Part of what impresses Edwards and Johnson is that Suárez breaks down barriers doing things like winning his first Truck Series race, after being runner-up in four previous tries, in order to enter the Championship 4 with all the momentum.

“It’s great to have him in the Championship 4. He’s a great kid. We are seeing the sport diversify both inside and outside the United States. Suárez brings in an unbelievable element that reaches the fan base. ... We have a lot of Hispanic fans in the Homestead Speedway area, and Daniel’s success appeals to them,” said Neil Gulkis, director of communications for the Homestead-Miami Speedway.

His greatest challenge might be having to face off against his Joe Gibbs teammate and friend Erik Jones, who is also vying for the Xfinity title this Saturday.

“We already know that we are going to help each other as much as we can before the race. But once the race starts, each of us is on his own. We are two drivers, but there is only one trophy, and each of us is on his own. We are going to compete hard,” Suarez said, making it clear that it will be a no-holds-barred affair.

“Most of the time that we are racing against each other and he is going faster than me, I let him go, and vice versa. That won’t be the case this coming weekend.”

Despite being just 24 years old, Suarez is aware of what his presence in NASCAR represents for the sport as a whole.

“What we are doing nowadays opens a lot of doors for sponsors who may want to support other Hispanic drivers,” Suarez said, reflecting on the growing diversity of the sport in the 21st century.

“At the end of the day, NASCAR is one big family regardless of whether you’re from Mexico, the United States or Canada, and that’s something very important. Yeah, I’m from a different country, but we are all the same family, and I’m just really proud to be battling for this championship and driving here in NASCAR in the United States.”