Daniel Suarez navigating the tight opening corners of Nashville (Photo: Luis Torres/The Podium Finish)
Daniel Suarez had quite the Saturday afternoon in the Streets of Nashville. Not only he got to try out the Trans Am TA2 machines before going to Watkins Glen, he got to compete with his boss Justin Marks.
Things were looking up for the Trackhouse competitor, qualifying seventh out of the 37-car grid. Even if Marks outqualified him by one spot, Suarez was working his way towards the field.
However, during the first half of the race was when Suarez’s afternoon in Nashville went south. While running in fifth and well ahead of Marks following an incident that set him back, the right rear was amiss.
The cause was a broken brake bleeder that put his No. 75 Wesley Financial Group Camaro out of the race.
The game was over early for Suarez, completing 15 of 42 laps (Photo: Luis Torres/The Podium Finish).
Suarez explained his Camaro had issues all weekend, resulting him to be cautious. Especially, when the 2.17-mile street course is extremely bumpy.
“The car was fast. I felt like we’re capable of winning the race. Unfortunately, we couldn’t push it too hard,” said Suarez. “During the race, I never pushed it 100% on the brakes because they were giving up. Eventually, the right rear bleeder got loose and fluid came out. I had zero brakes.
“It was fun until then. Unfortunately, we didn’t had a chance to finish the race or win the thing. Hopefully next time, we have a better brake package and be stronger.”
Post-Race Comments
When the dust finally settled, Suarez was classified with a 26th place finish. It summed up a disappointing race for Silver Hare Racing, which included former ARCA winner Michael Self. The general manager of SHR finished four spots below Suarez.
While Mike Skeen went on to win the 42-lap race, Marks finished fourth in his No. 99 Fields Racing Camaro. Nevertheless, Suarez had fun driving in the series and against the co-owner of his Cup team.
“Every time you get the chance to drive something and have fun. Whether it’s a bicycle or a race car, we have to take it and have some fun. I enjoy being a race car driver and driving here and there,” Suarez explained.
“Thanks to Justin for the opportunity. He’s been a great friend and great boss man. Gave me the opportunity to have fun with him.
“Actually, the most fun part of my weekend was those four or five laps I was right behind him. That made my weekend. That was a lot of fun until he messed up (laughs). That was fun. I enjoyed my time here.”
Suarez will make the trip from the “Music City” and head to Watkins Glen International for tomorrow’s Cup race. His No. 99 Camaro will roll off 21st out of the 37-car Cup field.
