{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"Daniel Suárez Interview","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/daniel-suarez-interview-027231e8-099c-4101-9b2d-5639724c801d","audioUrl":"https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/FOXM6225936050.mp3","description":"Daniel Suárez opens up about Spire Motorsports, NASCAR Cup Series competition, Texas Motor Speedway, playoff goals, teammate chemistry, NASCAR Mexico Series growth, NASCAR Brasil expansion, and his long-term future after racing in one of the most revealing NASCAR interviews of the season. Kevin Harvick sits down with Daniel Suárez on Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour to break down Suárez’s first season with Spire Motorsports, his top-10 finish at Texas, working alongside Carson Hocevar and Michael McDowell, helping grow NASCAR internationally, and what life could look like once his driving career ends.\n\n0:00 - Intro\n\n0:13 - Daniel Suárez Joins The Show!\n\n0:33 - First Season Driving for Spire Motorsports\n\n3:10 - Goals Heading Into Spire Motorsports\n\n5:30 - Relationship With Jeff Dickerson\n\n8:08 - Finishing 6th At Texas\n\n10:17 - Relationship With Crew Chief Ryan Sparks\n\n11:59 - Relationship With Teammates Carson Hocevar & Michael McDowell\n\n13:54 - Goals For The Rest Of The Season\n\n18:10 - Falling Out With Ross Chastain\n\n19:17 - Becoming Friends With McDowell Despite Fight\n\n20:28 - Growing Up Fighting\n\n23:08 - Preparing To Becoming A Dad\n\n24:52 - Advancing NASCAR Mexico & Brasil Series\n\n31:53 - Future After Racing\n\n33:18 - Love For Soccer\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices"},"annotations":[{"startTime":449.5,"endTime":486.2,"type":"concept","title":"front row","url":"/glossary/front-row","quote":"So what are the, first off, you guys were on the front row last week at Texas.\n[454.6s] Major accomplishment, right?","canonicalId":"concept:front-row","priority":0.3,"confidence":0.88,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Front row” means starting in the first two positions on the grid (pole and outside pole). In NASCAR, starting up front reduces the odds of getting trapped in traffic and can make it easier to control the opening laps and pit strategy."}},{"startTime":449.5,"endTime":461.0,"type":"concept","title":"green flag","url":"/glossary/green-flag","quote":"Major accomplishment, right? Like, Spire Motorsports leading the field to the green flag.","canonicalId":"concept:green-flag","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The “green flag” signals the race is actively running at full speed after a restart or caution. Leading “to the green flag” means the team was positioned to take control immediately when racing resumed, which can strongly influence early momentum and track position.","simplifiedExplanation":"The green flag is when the race is officially going again and cars can race at full speed. If you’re leading when the green flag comes out, you usually have a big advantage right away."}},{"startTime":454.6,"endTime":467.9,"type":"concept","title":"anchor out","quote":"To me, the more impressive thing was when you put the anchor out in the first run, it went straight to the back.","canonicalId":"concept:anchor-out","priority":0.38,"confidence":0.55,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Anchor out” refers to the final segment of a run—typically the last car/driver in a multi-car or multi-stage context—being sent out to complete the stint. In NASCAR terms, it’s often tied to timing and performance at the end of a run, when tires and balance may be changing.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Anchor out” is basically the last push of a run—when the team sends the car out to finish that part of the race. It matters because the car’s grip and handling can change as the tires wear."}},{"startTime":467.9,"endTime":474.8,"type":"concept","title":"making adjustments to the car and strategy","url":"/glossary/making-adjustments-to-the-car-and-strategy","quote":"But to me, when you can see a team that can make adjustments to the car and strategy go your way\n[474.8s]","canonicalId":"concept:making-adjustments-to-the-car-and-strategy","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.72,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In NASCAR, “adjustments” usually mean changing how the car behaves during a run—often via setup changes and pit decisions—and pairing that with “strategy” like when to pit and how to manage tires and track position. The goal is to correct what’s not working after the first practice/run and then improve performance as the race evolves.","simplifiedExplanation":"During a race, teams don’t just drive—they change the plan. “Adjustments” are tweaks to help the car handle better, and “strategy” is the timing and decisions (like pit timing) that help you stay competitive."}},{"startTime":474.8,"endTime":482.9,"type":"concept","title":"race car","url":"/glossary/race-car","quote":"and then you get your track position back and you make the adjustments on the race car to be able to run up front again.","canonicalId":"concept:race-car","priority":0.28,"confidence":0.5,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “race car” in this context means the purpose-built NASCAR stock car configured for that event, not a generic road vehicle. Setup changes and adjustments are made to the race car to improve handling, tire behavior, and overall speed during the stint."}},{"startTime":474.8,"endTime":482.9,"type":"concept","title":"track position","url":"/glossary/track-position","quote":"and then you get your track position back and you make the adjustments on the race car to be able to run up front again.","canonicalId":"concept:track-position","priority":0.4,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Track position is where a car sits on the circuit relative to other cars—especially important in NASCAR because it affects clean air, tire wear, and how easily you can pass. Gaining track position after a pit stop or during a caution can be as valuable as outright speed.","simplifiedExplanation":"Track position just means where you are on the track compared to other cars. In NASCAR, being in front can make it easier to control the race and avoid getting stuck in traffic."}},{"startTime":545.5,"endTime":549.8,"type":"term","title":"tires start going down slowly","quote":"Eventually the tires start going down slowly, we went through a debris and it blew.","canonicalId":"term:tires-start-going-down-slowly","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.62,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In racing, tire wear changes grip over a run. When the tires “go down slowly,” the car can feel less stable or lose speed as tread and surface condition degrade.","simplifiedExplanation":"Racing tires wear out during a race weekend. As they wear, the car can start feeling worse and slower because there’s less grip."}},{"startTime":547.0,"endTime":549.8,"type":"term","title":"debris","url":"/glossary/debris","quote":"Eventually the tires start going down slowly, we went through a debris and it blew. And then we dragged the skirts, bottom of the car.","canonicalId":"term:debris","priority":0.7,"confidence":0.78,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Debris” in a race context is loose material on track—like parts, rubber, or wreckage—that can damage a car. Hitting debris can puncture tires or scrape underbody components, affecting speed and handling.","simplifiedExplanation":"In a race, “debris” means stuff on the track that shouldn’t be there. It can hit the car and cause damage, like a tire puncture or underbody scraping."}},{"startTime":549.8,"endTime":553.0,"type":"term","title":"dragged the skirts","url":"/glossary/dragged-the-skirts","quote":"And then we dragged the skirts, bottom of the car. How much adjustment you're going to make on the car to qualify for one lap?","canonicalId":"term:dragged-the-skirts","priority":0.75,"confidence":0.8,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Skirts” are the underbody panels that help manage airflow under the car. If they get dragged, it can mean the car’s ride height or underbody clearance is compromised, which hurts aerodynamics and can cause further damage."}},{"startTime":553.0,"endTime":557.3,"type":"term","title":"adjustment you're going to make on the car to qualify for one lap","quote":"How much adjustment you're going to make on the car to qualify for one lap? The team did an amazing job.","canonicalId":"term:adjustment-you-re-going-to-make-on-the-car-to-qualify-for-one-lap","priority":0.6,"confidence":0.66,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"Qualifying setup is the set of car changes aimed at maximizing performance for a short run—often just one lap. Teams adjust things like ride height, aerodynamics, and balance to make the car fast in that specific window.","simplifiedExplanation":"Qualifying setup means tuning the car for its best performance over a very short run. Teams change settings so the car feels right for one fast lap."}},{"startTime":594.8,"endTime":598.6,"type":"term","title":"balance bad","url":"/glossary/balance-bad","quote":"So we missed our balance, balance bad. But we went to work, you know, there was a little frustration at that time, which is normal.","canonicalId":"term:balance-bad","priority":0.72,"confidence":0.82,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"“Balance” is how the car behaves at the limit—how well it’s set up to be stable and predictable through turns. “Balance bad” means the handling was off (for example, too loose or too tight), so the car didn’t respond the way the driver wanted.","simplifiedExplanation":"“Balance” is basically how the car handles. If it’s “balance bad,” the car doesn’t turn or grip the way it should, so the driver has to fight it."}},{"startTime":603.0,"endTime":610.0,"type":"term","title":"stage 2","url":"/glossary/stage-2","quote":"But we went to work and by stage 2, we got the car back and then the car became what it was again, which was a top 10 car.","canonicalId":"term:stage-2","priority":0.65,"confidence":0.84,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"In NASCAR, races are split into stages, and teams can make adjustments between them. “By stage 2” implies the team changed the car after stage 1 and then the handling/performance improved.","simplifiedExplanation":"NASCAR races are divided into stages. After stage 1, teams can adjust the car, and by stage 2 the car started working better."}},{"startTime":1764.8,"endTime":1770.8,"type":"concept","title":"driver development path","url":"/glossary/driver-development-path","quote":"So we have to continue to create this path.\n[1770.8s] So what are the two or three things that need to be fixed from Brazil and Mexico\n[1777.9s] to make it more relevant to get to the ARCA series or truck series here?","canonicalId":"concept:driver-development-path","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.75,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"A “driver development path” is the structured route a driver follows through increasingly competitive racing series. In this context, Suárez is arguing that Mexico and Brazil need better pathways into U.S. stock-car categories so more drivers can reach the top levels.","simplifiedExplanation":"A “development path” is the ladder of racing steps a driver takes to get better and move up. He’s saying Mexico and Brazil need clearer, more effective routes into the U.S. series."}},{"startTime":1777.9,"endTime":1803.3,"type":"topic","title":"ARCA series","url":"/glossary/arca-series","quote":"So what are the two or three things that need to be fixed from Brazil and Mexico\n[1777.9s] to make it more relevant to get to the ARCA series or truck series here?\n[1784.5s] And do you think that the cars that they race currently are good to prepare yourself for?","canonicalId":"topic:arca-series","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.9,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"ARCA is a U.S. stock-car racing series that sits below NASCAR in the development ladder. Drivers often use it to gain experience with oval-track racing, racecraft, and team operations before moving up.","simplifiedExplanation":"ARCA is a racing series in the U.S. that helps drivers build experience before they try to move up to bigger NASCAR-level events. It’s like a stepping stone for learning how to race on ovals."}},{"startTime":1777.9,"endTime":1790.8,"type":"topic","title":"truck series","url":"/glossary/truck-series","quote":"So what are the two or three things that need to be fixed from Brazil and Mexico\n[1777.9s] to make it more relevant to get to the ARCA series or truck series here?\n[1784.5s] And do you think that the cars that they race currently are good to prepare yourself for?\n[1790.8s] I probably can't just go straight into a truck, right?","canonicalId":"topic:truck-series","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The “truck series” refers to NASCAR’s national series that races pickup trucks on oval tracks. It’s a common next step after lower-tier series because the cars are heavier and the racing style differs from smaller stock cars.","simplifiedExplanation":"The “truck series” is a NASCAR-level racing league where the cars are pickup-truck-shaped race cars. It’s usually a step up from smaller series, so it can take time to adjust."}},{"startTime":1777.9,"endTime":1826.4,"type":"concept","title":"stock-car oval racing ladder","quote":"And do you think that the cars that they race currently are good to prepare yourself for?\n[1784.5s] I probably can't just go straight into a truck, right?\n[1793.6s] No, it's a huge job.\n[1826.4s] Eventually that's going to change.","canonicalId":"concept:stock-car-oval-racing-ladder","priority":0.35,"confidence":0.55,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The “oval racing ladder” describes how drivers progress through different stock-car series that race primarily on oval tracks. Suárez contrasts Brazil and Mexico’s current cars and setups, implying that the training value depends on how closely those cars resemble the ones used in the next series."}},{"startTime":1830.4,"endTime":1838.0,"type":"concept","title":"NASCAR series in Brazil","url":"/glossary/nascar-series-in-brazil","quote":"But the NASCAR series in Brazil has been only around with the NASCAR branding for a couple of years. [1836.9s] So it's still very new.","canonicalId":"concept:nascar-series-in-brazil","priority":0.55,"confidence":0.78,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"The NASCAR series in Brazil is a regional feeder/expansion effort that uses NASCAR branding to grow stock-car racing outside the U.S. Because it’s described as “very new,” the key idea is building local participation and infrastructure before expecting drivers to move up to higher-level NASCAR competition.","simplifiedExplanation":"This is NASCAR trying to grow racing in Brazil. It’s still early, so the goal is to get drivers and teams used to the rules and racing style before they can move up to bigger NASCAR events."}},{"startTime":1842.1,"endTime":1849.8,"type":"topic","title":"implement 100% of the rules","url":"/glossary/implement-100-of-the-rules","quote":"implement 100% of the rules that we have here, which Brazil is slowly getting there. [1847.3s] Mexico is already there. [1848.9s] Implement the rules.","canonicalId":"topic:implement-100-of-the-rules","priority":0.45,"confidence":0.7,"source":"hybrid-fuzzy+gpt-5.4-nano","data":{"explanation":"This refers to aligning a developing regional series with the full rule set used in the main NASCAR ecosystem. Standardizing rules helps drivers, teams, and officials learn the same technical and procedural expectations before stepping into higher competition levels.","simplifiedExplanation":"He’s talking about making sure the local series follows the same rules as the main NASCAR world. That way, when drivers move up, they’re not learning a whole new rulebook."}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"FOX Sports","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/daniel-suarez-interview-027231e8-099c-4101-9b2d-5639724c801d/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}