Skip to main content
Join
NASCAR Logo

Daniel Suárez hits the inside wall at Las Vegas during Group B practice

JHby:Jonathan Howard•10/14/23•

Jondean25

Daniel Suárez wrecked Tootsies
Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

In a scary hit with the inside wall, Daniel Suárez found himself wrecking during Group B practice at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The Trackhouse Racing driver was out for 31 laps before he lost control and went sliding. Suárez made contact with a tire pack that had been put in front of the concrete, inside wall on the NASCAR track.

Daniel Suárez joined Chase Elliott as the two drivers to find themselves with damage in practice. In a tough break for two drivers who have been looking for a breakthrough performance, it’s just been more frustrating.

After the wreck, Suárez was able to get out of the car on his own and made his way to the infield care center. Group B practice came to an end after this incident.

Chase Elliott fully blew a tire. Daniel Suárez seems to have had a flat spot or just a lack of grip and came around after a long run on the track. Lots of other teams made it out without damage, but it was a bit of a gamble to run long in Vegas this afternoon.

Teams, especially Chevys, will be taking note. Kyle Larson barely made it to pit road before Elliott’s wreck. He had a blistered tire that likely would have given him an issue if he stayed out.

Daniel Suárez, Chase Elliott won’t qualify

So, these two drivers are going to backup cars. That means that neither of them will qualify and both will go to the rear for Sunday’s start. It’s going to be a huge effort to overcome this setback for either driver.

For Daniel Suárez, it’s about finishing the season on a high note. Chase Elliott has an owner’s championship to compete for. So, each has their own motives for trying to run long or run hard in practice.

Keep an eye on qualifying as the solar eclipse is expected to play some tricks on the lighting. Qualifying is underway and we will soon have the pole winner. Las Vegas has produced some great races. The Next Gen car is built for these 1.5-mile tracks.

Daniel Suárez and Chase Elliott will have a chance to move up in the field. This isn’t short track or road course racing. There should be cautions and restarts and lots of racing in this South Point 400.