Bubba Wallace Pokes Fun at Daniel Suarez's English Skills

The NASCAR drivers are close friends, but Wallace couldn't resist a playful jab about Suarez's language abilities.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:08pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a NASCAR race or competition, with sharp, overlapping planes of red, blue, and yellow paint capturing the dynamic motion and energy of the sport.NASCAR's growing diversity is reflected in the playful camaraderie between drivers of different backgrounds.Las Vegas Today

NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace revealed that he initially misunderstood when his fellow driver Daniel Suarez told him the news that Suarez and his wife Julia are expecting their first child. Wallace thought Suarez was telling him he was getting a new car, not having a baby. Wallace also joked that Suarez's English skills have somehow gotten worse since coming to the United States from Mexico in the early 2010s, despite Suarez becoming a father.

Why it matters

The exchange between the two NASCAR drivers highlights the close camaraderie and friendly rivalries that exist within the sport, even among competitors. It also touches on the challenges that some international drivers face in adapting to life and communication in the United States.

The details

During a press conference, Suarez announced that he and his wife Julia are expecting their first child together. When Suarez first told Wallace the news in Las Vegas, Wallace initially thought Suarez was saying he was getting a new car, not having a baby. Wallace said he gave Suarez a big hug on the driver intro stage once he realized the actual news. Wallace also joked that Suarez's English skills have somehow gotten worse since coming to the US from Mexico in the early 2010s, despite Suarez now becoming a father.

  • Suarez announced the pregnancy news during a Saturday press conference.
  • Suarez first told Wallace the news in Las Vegas.

The players

Bubba Wallace

A NASCAR Cup Series driver who is also a father and close friend of Daniel Suarez.

Daniel Suarez

A NASCAR Cup Series driver from Mexico who is expecting his first child with his wife Julia.

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What they’re saying

“Obviously he didn't tell you our story about it. He told me in Vegas. He sat down next to me and he was like, 'Hey, I'm joining the club,' and I took it as a car. I was like, 'Oh you're getting a car, sweet! Nice!' He's like, 'Nah,' and I was like, 'What?' He's talking about having a kid.”

— Bubba Wallace, NASCAR Driver

“Yeah, we're super excited to start a new chapter in our lives. Super blessed to have Julia. And yeah, we had a good time during the off weekend, going to Greece and exploring a little bit. We thought it was maybe a good time to share the news with everyone. We have known for a while. She's already halfway into the process. So yeah, very, very excited.”

— Daniel Suarez, NASCAR Driver

“So if you see us up on the driver intro stage, I give him a big hug. But I totally went car side. So, I thought that was pretty funny. But super excited for him and Julia. Dan and I have been really close since he came to the states in 2010 or 11, and his english somehow has gotten way (expletive) worse. It's crazy how that goes. But excited for them and the new addition to their family.”

— Bubba Wallace, NASCAR Driver

The takeaway

The playful exchange between Wallace and Suarez highlights the close camaraderie and friendly rivalries that exist within the NASCAR community, even among competitors. It also touches on the challenges that some international drivers face in adapting to life and communication in the United States, despite their success on the track.