Suarez "was the obvious choice" to replace Edwards, says Joe Gibbs

Suarez won the 2016 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship, scoring three victories along the way. Now, he will make his Cup debut in the 2017 Daytona 500.

For Joe Gibbs, the decision to put the Mexican native in the seat was an easy one.

“Daniel was the obvious choice to put in the car,” Gibbs said. “We always have a lot going on here with our sponsors and Daniel always gets involved so this will be a good move.

As for the team around Suarez, Dave Rogers isn't going anywhere.

“Daniel will be with a veteran team and crew chief with Dave Rogers leading the group,” Gibbs added. “Daniel will be testing the car on the 30th and hopefully we can have Carl there to help him.”

For Suarez, it’s a great opportunity.

“It’s a dream come true for me,” Suarez said. “I started out in Mexico 10 years ago racing in NASCAR and I know this move won’t be easy but I ready for the opportunity.”

Suarez became the first driver from Mexico to win a NASCAR national series event, doing so at Michigan International Speedway last June and hopes to do the same in the Cup Series.

“I think we’re ready for this new opportunity and ready to perform well,” said Suarez. “This is a great place to be for a rookie like me.”

Suarez began his NASCAR career driving in the NASCAR Peak Series in Mexico, scoring 10 wins in 58 starts. He also competed in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West Series as a member of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program. He was also a member of the NASCAR Next program.

Suarez earned three wins in the K&N Pro Series prior to moving up to the NXS in 2014.