Daniel Suarez has publicly addressed his feelings regarding his role at Trackhouse Racing as he prepares for his upcoming departure at the end of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, expressing frustration and a sense that he has become less valued within the team hierarchy. The situation stems from recent leadership changes and a mutual decision to part ways, shedding light on the evolving landscape around the Daniel Suarez Trackhouse Racing departure.
Team Changes Lead to Growing Frustration
After Matt Swiderski joined as crew chief for Suarez, replacing Travis Mack due to inconsistent 2024 performances, tensions surfaced about the direction of the team. Swiderski, who previously led the #16 at Kaulig Racing and brings a successful engineering background, pointed out several issues needing attention upon arrival. Despite early discussions and acknowledgment from Suarez about these challenges, significant improvements have not materialized, leading to ongoing frustration for the driver.
In a candid moment shared with Kelly Crandall, Daniel Suarez voiced his concerns about his standing within Trackhouse Racing, reflecting on the lack of progress:
“I just think that lately there has been things that have made me feel that I’m not as important.”
This sentiment was echoed on social media, where Crandall added context to Suarez’s feelings regarding the team‘s slow response to his feedback. She noted how Suarez and others have noticed the issues, but there has been little movement toward addressing them.
Performance and Achievements with Trackhouse Racing
During his tenure, Suarez delivered notable results for the organization, securing wins at Sonoma in 2022 and Atlanta in 2024. These victories contributed to transforming Trackhouse Racing into a formidable presence in NASCAR‘s premier series after the team became the successor to Chip Ganassi Racing. However, with the 2024 Cup Series season underway and no wins secured so far, frustrations have grown and influenced the decision to separate at the conclusion of next season.
The organization has not yet confirmed who will take over the driver’s seat after Suarez departs. However, Connor Zilisch, a rising star highly regarded in the racing community, is widely considered the leading candidate to fill the vacancy.
Suarez Discusses Addition of Swiderski and Team Dynamics
The arrival of Matt Swiderski was seen as a potential turning point, given his winning history and technical expertise. Nevertheless, change has been slower than anticipated. Suarez has continued to voice his observations, believing these unresolved issues have directly impacted his position and overall team morale. His vocal advocacy for improvement, coupled with limited progress, has heightened a sense of uncertainty and discomfort about his role.
Suarez’s Perspective on Departure and Career Transition
Daniel Suarez addressed the upcoming Trackhouse Racing exit in a recent interview, stating that he sees the move as a natural evolution rather than a setback. Approaching the situation with clear-headed acceptance, he highlighted that changes are expected in a competitive environment and are necessary for professional growth.
“I want to make sure that you guys and all the people listening (know) I’m not sad for this. This is just a new chapter. That’s all it is. This is not a sad moment, it’s just a change,” Suarez said on SiriusXM Radio. —Daniel Suarez, Driver
He further explained that he was aware of the upcoming decision for some time, and the public announcement brings him relief, allowing focus on planning the next stage of his career. Suarez has remained proud of his achievements with the team, having been its first full-time driver following Trackhouse’s acquisition of Chip Ganassi Racing in 2021.
Implications for Trackhouse Racing and the Cup Series
The mutual decision between Daniel Suarez and Trackhouse Racing to part ways marks a turning point for the organization. With notable wins under his belt and a significant role in raising the team‘s competitive profile, Suarez’s departure opens up questions about Trackhouse’s strategy moving forward. As the team considers possible successors like Connor Zilisch, the move signals adjustments both in operations and culture, with fans and industry insiders closely watching the next developments in the Cup Series landscape.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Daniel Suarez pass the citizenship test?
A. On April 29, Suarez shared in an Instagram video that he successfully completed the citizenship test and was eager to become a citizen of two countries.
Q. Has Daniel Suarez ever won a race?
A. Suárez has only achieved two victories in 305 career Cup races, and this season he ranks far back in 29th place. The 33-year-old driver is in his fifth year with Trackhouse Racing, starting as the team’s first racer in 2021. He has qualified for NASCAR’s playoffs twice while racing with Trackhouse.
Q. Has Daniel Suarez won a race?
A. In 2022, Suárez made history as the first driver from Mexico to win a Cup Series race, achieving this at Sonoma Raceway in his 195th attempt. His most recent Cup Series victory took place at Atlanta Motor Speedway in February 2024.
