Cesar Chavez Day: Hispanic Race Car Drivers

March 31st is Cesar Chavez Day, in honor of the late Mexican-American civil rights activist who worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for farm workers. Chavez was the founder of the United Farm Workers of America and through non-violent protests his organization was able to improve the wages and living conditions for farm workers.

As a Mexican-American I am proud of Chavez and his work to improve the lives of the disenfranchised. Chavez was able to shine a light on those exploited and give them a face for the world to see. Chavez passed away in 1993, but “La Causa” lives on in the advancements of Hispanic-Americans in all aspects of life.

Progress and inclusion are happening in motorsports but we still have a long way to go. Daniel Suarez is the rare Mexican NASCAR Cup Series driver and he is aware of progress in his sport.

“I want be successful but [I also want to] make a path for more Latinos,” Suarez said during an interview with TMZ. “The sport is amazing, we just have to make it for everyone.”

The following slide show highlights Hispanic drivers from the Americas in motorsports.