Suarez Looks for Stellar Results at Sonoma

By Luis Torres, Staff Writer

SONOMA, California — Daniel Suarez enters Sonoma Raceway looking to turn things around this season after finishing outside the top-15 in three out of the last four races, some involving unfortunate circumstances which have put him 21st in points.

Suarez told Motorsports Tribune that good results on road courses, such as Sunday’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 are important because it’s one of only three road courses on the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series calendar.

“We don’t have a lot of (road course) races throughout the year,” said Suarez. “The ones that we have is important that we perform well, and have good results.”

Despite this, Suarez said he enjoys road racing because it’s different from all anything else on the tour.

“I personally like road course racing. I think it’s a lot of fun, and it shows something different,” said Suarez. “I can do different stuff on road courses, even when you have the best car and best equipment, so I kind of like that.”

Last year, Suarez pulled a stunning Stage 2 victory over Martin Truex, Jr. at Watkins Glen International, and ultimately finishing a career-high third. Suarez explained the differences from the 2.45-mile historic road course to the twisting 1.990-mile circuit.

“It’s pretty different. Sonoma is more slow and technical,” said Suarez. “Watkins Glen is more brave and more fast, but both are a lot of fun. It fits well to my driving style and I enjoy it.”

Suarez is among five drivers running double-duty at Sonoma, as he’ll run the K&N Pro Series West’s Carneros 200 Saturday. He finished 11th in the 64-lap feature and scored a 16th-place effort in the 110-lap contest last year.

“Last year was pretty good for my first time here,” said Suarez. “It’s a tough place, very technical, but looking forward to this weekend. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”