Jimmie Johnson confident about Daniel Suarez, sharing optimism for the driver‘s future after their split from Trackhouse Racing, despite ongoing questions about where Suarez will compete in the upcoming NASCAR season. Johnson points to Suarez’s international appeal and past race victories as key factors that could influence new opportunities, even as other observers suggest the racer must prove himself further.
Johnson Sees Promise in Suarez’s Racing Prospects
Following the recent departure of Daniel Suarez from Trackhouse Racing, the NASCAR community has engaged in lively debate over which team might sign Suarez next. Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently weighed in, stating his belief that Suarez needs to adopt a more assertive approach if he hopes to secure a competitive ride for next year. In contrast, Johnson presented a more hopeful view of Suarez’s situation, emphasizing the driver’s strengths and the typical pre-season movements within the sport.
“I don’t think Daniel is going to be out. It’s never fun to be looking for a job, but it is early in the process. I think there’s going to be a lot of movement as there is most years. I think he’ll have some strong options to consider,”
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Champion
“I don’t think he’s out of a Cup car. He’s a recent race-winning Cup driver. There’s always going to be room for someone like that, on top of his sponsor appeal and international appeal. I’m confident he’ll find a very solid ride to compete in,”
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Champion
Despite the encouragement, Johnson also confirmed that the ongoing search by Legacy Motor Club for a third charter would not align with Suarez’s timelines for finding a new seat. Daniel Suarez has found it challenging to match his Trackhouse Racing teammates Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen this season—both of whom have already locked in their playoff berths—while Suarez stands at just three top-10 finishes in 21 races. Suarez last celebrated a Ambetter Health 400 in Atlanta, and this year his top result has been a second-place finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Opportunities on the Horizon: Jimmie Johnson Eyes Hometown Return
While assessing Daniel Suarez’s evolving career, Johnson also discussed developments in his own racing plans. As a San Diego native, Johnson expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of competing in his hometown, with NASCAR set to introduce a new street race at the US Navy base in Coronado next season. When asked about his possible return in front of hometown fans, Johnson remarked,
“Definitely intrigues me. Obviously it’s new news. But the desire to race in my hometown is off the charts. I will aggressively work on being in the event.”
—Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Champion
Johnson also assured fans of his involvement in the upcoming event, especially because next year marks two decades since the establishment of the Jimmie Johnson Foundation. His last Cup Series outing was at the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte Motor Speedway, which also marked his 700th Cup Series start. That day ended in disappointment, with Johnson crashing out early and finishing last, but earlier in the season he had delivered a strong performance with a third-place finish in the Daytona 500. The mixed outcomes have not dimmed Johnson’s hopes, as he keeps the door open for more race appearances in the future—contingent on Legacy Motor Club acquiring a third charter.
Uncertain Season for Suarez and the Road Ahead
With Daniel Suarez navigating the uncertainties of the current season, the road back to consistent top-tier competition hinges on securing a team willing to take advantage of his skills, marketability, and race-winning record. Key figures such as Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. continue to weigh in on his prospects, while the sport waits to see where Suarez will next take his place among the field.
As speculation persists, the evolving situation could have broader implications for the NASCAR grid and for the teams in need of experienced drivers. With industry veterans confident about Daniel Suarez’s prospects and Jimmie Johnson himself eyeing a high-profile return, both drivers remain poised to leave further marks on the sport in the coming season.
