By Seth Eggert
Earning a top-10 in one’s debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is impressive, but for Andres Perez de Lara, it also marked a milestone amongst internationally born drivers in NASCAR competition.
At World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway the NASCAR Drive for Diversity (D4D) driver became the 205th driver born outside of the United States to compete in the three National Touring Series. The ARCA Menards Series points leader made his Truck debut in the No. 7 Wholly Guacamole / Herdez Chevrolet Silverado for Spire Motorsports.
Like D4D alum Rajah Caruth in 2021, Perez ran strong throughout the 200-mile race at Gateway. The Mexico City native climbed into the top-10 in the final stage of the Toyota 200 during a round of green flag pit stops. Before he could pit, the caution waved when Vicente Salas spun.
With multiple trucks one lap down or more, Perez lined up inside the top-10 for the final restart. Although the 19-year-old slipped from sixth back to ninth, he maintained his spot inside the top-10. In the process, Perez both accomplished his goal of a good, smooth result, and became the 50th internationally born driver to score a top-10 finish.
“I think I just want everything to go (smoothly) and have a very good result,” Perez said prior to the race. “I know that if we put everything together then it should be a really good day for us. If we get a top-10, I’d definitely take that for my Truck Series debut.”
In total internationally born drivers account for 256 top-10 finishes combined in the Truck Series. 16 of those top-10s were earned by Perez’s mentor, Daniel Suarez. It was Suarez, along with his teammates Caruth and Nick Sanchez, that he learned on entering his debut at the 1.250-mile track. That preparation, combined with a timely caution, allowed Perez to earn the milestone top-10.
“I think the quick adaptation to everything that is going to go on will be important, both adapting to the truck and the track,” Perez explained prior to the race. “I think we’ve been working hard, both me on my own and all the guys in the shop that are helping me out. I’m trying to cover everything before we get there. They’re just telling me to not make many mistakes, have a smooth practice and qualifying day, and we’ll go from there.”
Later the same day at Portland International Raceway, Ed Jones became the 51st internationally born driver to score a top-10 finish in NASCAR’s three National Touring Series. Combined across the three series internationally born drivers account for over 650 top-10s and counting.
After his debut, Perez turned his attention back to both the NASCAR PEAK Mexico Series and ARCA. He is competing full-time in two different series and two different countries much like Suarez did a decade ago. Perez currently leads the ARCA points standings.
