Why was Daniel Suarez penalized by NASCAR?

Daniel Suarez is known to have a calm and collective approach on the track.

Why was Daniel Suarez penalized by NASCAR?

Daniel Suarez (Credits: @TrackhouseRacing/Twitter)

NASCAR has released the penalty report for the 2023 Circuit of the Americas race weekend. The major penalty has been Trackhouse Racing No:99 Chevy Camaro ZL1 driver Daniel Suarez. He should feel lucky as he only has a fine of $50K and no points penalty. Denny Hamlin was given a point deduction for a track rift with Ross Chastain.

The penalty isn’t a big surprise, as it was expected soon after the incident unfolded at the COTA pit lane. An accident involving Ross Chastain, Chase Briscoe, and Alex Bowman on the final restart cost Suarez a top 5 finish. While he scored a P23, the No:1, and No:48 Chevy went in to score top 5 finishes.

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The Mexican, who isn’t known for his aggressive behavior, was quick to react post-race. He defied the pit road speed limit while re-entering and started bumping Bowman after pushing teammate Chastain off his way. He then proceeded to have a talk with Bowman before confronting his teammate as well.

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The entire grid was surprised by Daniel Suarez’s actions as it was highly unlikely that his character to react in such a way. NASCAR senior VP Elton Sawyer, while discussing the sanctions, pointed out, “It’s uncharacteristic of Daniel…There’s no excuse for what happened,”.  The entire NASCAR community agrees that Suarez’s actions were due to the frustration of finishing out of the Top 25, after having a solid day with the top 5, locked in till the incident.

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Alex Bowman was also a victim lime Daniel Suarez at COTA

Alex Bowman
Alex Bowman

The No:48 Hendrick Motorsports driver Bowman wasn’t to blame for the Mexican’s spin. He was the victim of circumstances like Suarez. The HMS driver was shoved from behind as he entered turn one on the restart, and his Chevy went lost and produced chaos. After interacting with the former Xfinity Series champion, Bowman said that he was very surprised by such disrespectful behavior as expected from Suarez, his former teammate.

“He just thought I drove in and tried to drive through him. Daniel and I, we’ve been teammates in the past, raced together a long time. I respect the hell out of him. I’m sure he’s still not super happy. Just tried to explain that I wouldn’t race him like that, that I was shoved in there,” Alex Bowman said.

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