Daniel Suarez reflected on the Daniel Suarez Brickyard 400 team performance at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, noting that a single event does not represent the full potential of Trackhouse Racing. Despite a tough outing for the entire team and the announcement of his departure from Trackhouse, Suarez emphasized positive developments and his outlook for the future.
Challenging Day for Trackhouse Drivers at Indianapolis
The Brickyard 400 proved to be a tough challenge for Trackhouse Racing, as none of its drivers managed a top 10 finish at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Shane van Gisbergen led the group by finishing 19th after starting 11th. Ross Chastain endured a difficult race day, beginning in 33rd position, falling victim to a wreck on Lap 17, and ultimately placing 39th. Daniel Suarez himself started from 31st, suffered a mid-race accident, and crossed the line in 27th position.
Suarez took to Instagram to share his perspective on the race and the team‘s efforts, highlighting both the successes and frustrations encountered.
“Sunday’s result doesn’t reflect the performance this team had the first 1/3 of the race. I was very excited to see the progress and speed of our 99 Freeway Insurance Chevy throughout stage 1.”
—Daniel Suarez, Trackhouse Racing Driver
“Unfortunately another car ahead of us had an issue on the restart and caused severe nose damage to several cars and ours was destroyed. The bad storm won’t last forever, always pushing forward! The best is ahead.”
—Daniel Suarez, Trackhouse Racing Driver
Suarez made a notable advance during Stage 1, climbing from 31st up to 13th, showing speed and progress. However, his performance took a downturn after the incident in Stage 2, dropping back and eventually finishing ahead of Ty Dillon but behind Riley Herbst.
Team Owner Justin Marks Explains Suarez’s Departure
For the first time since joining four years ago, Daniel Suarez will not be returning to Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series. Team owner Justin Marks, who built the team’s partnership with Suarez around long-term plans and sponsorship arrangements, provided insight into the decision not to renew Suarez’s contract for the next season.
“When we … mapped out our three-year and our five-year plan and the sponsorships and everything that we’re trying to accomplish over the next five years of the company, we just got to a point where we felt like that relationship had borne a lot of fruit for us, but it was time to move on.”
—Justin Marks, Trackhouse Racing Owner (via Reuters)
Suarez was the lone driver when he joined Trackhouse Racing full-time four years ago and has played a key role in building the team’s on-track presence. Reports suggest the team is now looking at Connor Zilisch as a likely replacement for Suarez next season, marking a significant shift for both the driver and the organization.
What’s Next for Daniel Suarez and Trackhouse Racing
As Daniel Suarez reflects on a Brickyard 400 that failed to meet expectations for the team, he focuses on the progress made and the lessons learned during the event. Trackhouse Racing faces a new chapter as it moves forward with new drivers and evolving strategies. For Suarez, the search for his next opportunity begins, and fans will be watching to see where the accomplished Mexican driver lands for the upcoming season. The outcome of these changes will undoubtedly shape the future of both Suarez and Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series.
