If there is a competitive arena other than a racetrack where Daniel Suarez feels most comfortable, it is likely on a soccer field. The Monterey, Mexico, native grew up playing soccer, even serving as team captain when he was 15.
Wednesday, Suarez went back to his roots to train with U.S. Open Cup Champion Sporting Kansas City.
“When I was 15 years old, I was already involved in racing, so I knew that racing was where my heart was,” Suarez said. “But I love soccer and I’ve played since I was 9 years old. It was a fun time, and obviously in Mexico soccer is huge. I’m here getting back to it for the first time in probably seven years, so I am excited to train with Sporting Kansas City.”
Suarez may have been worried about being rusty on the field, but he was quickly showing his skills among the players of Sporting Kansas City. He even got a few goals in on goalie Adrian Zendejas, who offered Suarez a few penalty kicks. The team capped off the training session by presenting Suarez with his own customized Sporting Kansas City jersey.
Suarez will be back in Kansas City for the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway on Oct. 22, the first playoff elimination race at the track.
“Kansas is a very good place for me,” Suarez said. “I’m hoping to be competitive there and to wind up with a win.”
Tickets are currently on sale for the Oct. 20 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, the Oct. 21 Kansas Lottery 300 (NASCAR XFINITY Series) and the Oct. 22 Hollywood Casino 400, the final race in the second round of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Tickets can be purchased by calling 866-460-RACE (7223) or by logging onto www.kansasspeedway.com.
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– Story from Kansas Speedway