Daniel Suarez is set to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series Chase for the third time in his career. Off the racetrack, the driver of the No. 7 has a major development in his personal life as his wife, Julia, is expecting to give birth to the couple’s first child in a few weeks.
With the implications of The Chase, the Spire Motorsports driver is hopeful the birth of his first daughter falls on a weekday. Of course, that is something out of this year’s Coca-Cola 600 winner’s hands.
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If it comes down to his wife giving birth on a race weekend, Suarez has made the decision to stay at the racetrack.
Suarez on baby on the way: ‘Can’t let anything affect the progress’
During a sit-down interview with FOX NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass, Suarez was asked about how he would manage racing while his wife is soon to go into labor.
Oftentimes, when a NASCAR driver’s wife has a baby on the way, contingency plans like a relief driver are put into place if that driver were to have to leave the racetrack and attend to their wife.
For Suarez, if this was last year, he undoubtedly would leave to be with Julia for the birth of his child. This year is different, however, as the Mexican-born driver is in contention to compete for a championship.
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With that in mind, Suarez said he cannot afford to let anything hinder that.
“If this was last year, for example, it would be a no-brainer, but the way we’re running right now, being in the Chase — we were one point away from finishing in the top 10 in the regular season points. That just tells you how tight things can be after several races. We just can’t let anything affect the progress we make in practice, qualifying and in the race,” Suarez said.
Of course, Suarez wants to be at the hospital when his daughter is born, which is why he hopes it falls on a weekday.
“Hopefully, it’s a Monday-Friday baby,” Suarez said.
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Unfortunately for Suarez, he was reminded by Pockrass about how that is something he cannot control.
“Unfortunately not,” Suarez replied.
A look at Suarez’s breakout season with Spire Motorsports
After a season of struggles at Trackhouse Racing in 2025, Suarez joined Spire Motorsports to pilot the No. 7 Chevrolet for the 2026 Cup Series season.
In his first campaign with Spire, Suarez has turned his Cup Series career around. He won the rain-shortened Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte last May, notching his third career Cup triumph. Suarez qualified for The Chase for the third time in his career and has totaled three top fives and seven top 10s.
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Yet, as he told Pockrass, Suarez feels like he has always been the same driver. Now, the results are showing.
“I don’t think I’m driving better. I’m just driving a faster race car and have a better structure overall. That’s the main thing,” Suarez said.
Suarez will begin the Chase from the 11th position in points this Sunday at Darlington Raceway.
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