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Those on NASCAR social media after the Atlanta race probably saw this Tweet below go viral. This is Tara Rogers, a die-hard NASCAR and Daniel Suarez fanatic, overcome with emotion after seeing her favorite driver win in person.
Well, if we take a peek behind the curtain, we find a survivor who has refused to let major health issues keep her from living a full, exciting life. Let’s get to know the story of Daniel Suarez superfan, Tara Rogers.
I've been following Daniel since his Xfinity days. I fell to my knees and cried! I'm beyond happy right now! Everyone in our section was patting me on my back saying congratulations. I've waited a long time for this moment @Daniel_SuarezG@JustinMarksTH @TeamTrackhouse VAMONOS! pic.twitter.com/y0AFhoZZYy
— tara wasil (@tarawasil) February 26, 2024
Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, Tara Rogers moved to Florida with her husband, Adam, 13 years ago. Tara was not a NASCAR fanatic growing up, but, she took a liking to the sport thanks to her husband working with the Blaney family at Sharon Speedway. She was hooked after watching Daniel Suarez win the 2016 NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship, and she had a favorite driver.
She decided to get to a NASCAR race to see what this sport was all about. Tara and her husband both went to the 2017 Coke Zero 400 at Daytona and, of course, Tara got a picture with Suarez.
He came right up to me for a picture, very nice guy, and I said ‘I knew it’. I knew he was going to be my driver. This is the one I need to follow
Tara Rogers
It was not the last time that Rogers would run into Suarez at a race track. She and her husband traveled to numerous race tracks over the ensuing seasons, and she would run into Suarez almost every time. If she was not at the race, her friends would send videos of Suarez saying hi.
I think he can spot me in a crowd. I think he knows who I am by now, but almost every little diecast that I have, every hat that I have, he always signs for me.
Tara Rogers
However, despite her love of NASCAR and life itself, health issues have plagued Rogers throughout her life. She was born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart disease that included three holes in her heart at birth.
Rogers underwent 3 open heart surgeries to replace her heart valve as a result. One just before her 2nd birthday, a second in her early 20s, and a third coming 5 years ago.
Her biggest scare came in early 2022. Rogers needed emergency surgery to install a pacemaker, but, three months after the surgery, she became ill. At that time, she and her husband went to the hospital for an appointment to check on the pacemaker, and she was soon admitted to the ICU with congestive heart failure.
They admitted me to ICU for seven days, and that’s when they said I was having heart failure. Only 6% of my heart was working at that time. I was lucky I was able to keep fighting that long before I was able to get the right help that I needed
Tara Rogers
Thankfully, she did get the help that she needed, and Rogers soon got back on her feet. The first time she walked after that surgery was at Atlanta Motor Speedway that spring for the NASCAR Cup Series race.
Rogers also went back to work one year after the surgery as well. She had previously worked at a nursing home and a newspaper, but, she opted for what she felt was a less stressful option to take care of her heart.
She became a part-time teacher’s assistant. While doctors cautioned her against adding the extra stress of working in her life, Rogers took the job anyway with the full support of Adam, her husband.
I know kids sound stressful, but there’s more good days than bad days. I have so much fun with those kids…The smiles, and when they hug you, and they say ‘thank you Mrs. Rogers’. Little things like that make my day”
Tara Rogers
She also continued going to NASCAR races, living to the absolute maximum that she could, despite all of the hurdles and challenges she has gone through.
I’m trying to Mark everything off my bucket list. I even I got my first tattoo the one year anniversary of my heart failure, so I’m doing everything I can. I don’t want to have this hold me back.
Tara Rogers
This is something that Adam has seen as well. He has been amazed at the resistance his wife has had during all of these struggles in her life.
She’s extremely strong. I haven’t dealt with anything close to what she’s dealt with healthwise in my life, but she bounces back from it every time.
Adam Rogers
All of this would come to a head at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 25th, 2024, the two-year anniversary of her heart failure.
The final laps of the Ambetter Health 400 in Atlanta were anxious moments for both Tara and her husband. Tara donned her Daniel Suarez gear and Adam sported Ryan Blaney colors. Suarez and Blaney were duking it out in the closing laps.
I remember the last three laps I was praying, ‘Please [Suarez[ just get up there. Just get up there.’… Kyle I was talking to myself the whole time.
Tara Rogers
As Blaney, Suarez, and Kyle Busch crossed the line three-wide, no one knew what to think yet. The track announcers had said Blaney won, but, now they were questioning. Eventually, it was announced that Daniel Suarez had won the Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta, and Tara was overjoyed with people congratulating her after the race was over.
I just fell to my knees and I just started crying. I know he’s one a cup race before, but I never thought I’d see him win in person. It was something on my bucket list I’ve always wanted to be there for
Tara Rogers
However, this proved to be just the beginning for Tara. Her husband posted the picture of her in tears on Facebook after the win. While Tara was initially upset about the picture being posted, her husband reassured her that this was a moment she would never forget. That gave Tara the idea to share it on her X account.
Soon afterward, Justin Marks and Trackhouse Racing‘s official accounts responded. From there, the post blew up.
When Justin Marks sent me a comment I was in tears. I couldn’t believe this, and, within 10 minutes, we were driving home, and I just kept getting likes and reposts and comments and I couldn’t believe it. Nothing was negative it was just a reaction.
Tara Rogers
For Tara Rogers, Sunday night at Atlanta was much more than a NASCAR race. It was a moment that she had dreamed of, and a moment that came in spite of so many obstacles that have been thrown her way. None of those obstacles held her back, and moments like Sunday are a reminder of the power that sports, and especially NASCAR have.
