By: Zach Catanzareti, Staff Writer
In just his second race for Stewart-Haas Racing, Daniel Suarez is already in contention near the front. At least in qualifying trim, as the Mexican driver put his No. 41 Ford fifth on the timesheet following qualifying for Sunday’s Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 from Atlanta Motor Speedway.
The session was the first run with the new aero package for 2019, increasing downforce with various aerodynamic adjustments over the offseason. The change paid off for Suarez, who gained form his initial expectations.
“Honestly, I thought we’d be somewhere in the top 10,” Suarez said. “Then, after the second round, I knew we had a shot (at
And Suarez was not alone in his SHR camp, as two of his teammates bested him in the final rundown, with Clint Bowyer lining up third and Aric Almirola capturing pole for the first time since 2012.
“Everyone has good speed,” he said. “Now we have to focus on tomorrow to try and keep these cars with the speed and try to run them well.
“Overall, the No. 41 Mustang was pretty strong. I felt we’ve had a top-five, top-10 car all day long.”
With single-car runs dominating Friday, Suarez has his eyes set on Saturday where drafting will be tested before raceday Sunday.
“Today was everything on qualifying,” he said. “I haven’t done more than two laps in a row. Tomorrow we’re going to start focusing on drafting, how the car is going to change in the long run. Hopefully, we can find a good balance for Sunday.”