The Daniel Suarez Iowa Speedway close call created tension during Sunday’s Iowa Corn 350 when Suarez came dangerously close to crashing out early in the race. Julia Piquet, Suarez’s wife, expressed her anxiety after Suarez narrowly avoided being collected when Shane van Gisbergen spun in turn 2 and triggered the day’s first caution.
Suarez, racing for Trackhouse Racing at Iowa Speedway, began the event outside the mid-pack in the 26th starting position. Stage 1 saw him slip even further, losing two more spots. As the race progressed, his Trackhouse Racing teammate, Shane van Gisbergen, lost control entering a corner, hit the outside wall, and was pushed back into oncoming traffic. Suarez managed to steer clear of a major incident, which could have had serious consequences for his day.
Julia Piquet, highlighting her concern, took to X to share the heart-stopping moment. She posted, “TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT YO,” emphasizing how dangerous the situation felt from her perspective in the stands.
Continued Struggles for Suarez in the 2024 Season
Ultimately, the Iowa Corn 350 ended in disappointment for Daniel Suarez, who crossed the finish line in 28th place. This finish marked his third consecutive race outside the top 20, further hurting his hopes for a strong season. Shane van Gisbergen, who started the caution, spun again after making contact with Kyle Busch and finished 31st, leaving both Trackhouse Racing drivers frustrated. Van Gisbergen’s day was compounded by a frustrating on-track clash with Carson Hocevar.
With only three races left in the regular season, Suarez finds himself well adrift of the NASCAR playoffs barring a dramatic win. In contrast, both Trackhouse Racing teammates have already wrapped up their playoff berths, with Van Gisbergen standing out thanks to three road course victories. The pressure continues to mount for Suarez as the clock runs down on his playoff chances.
Julia Piquet and Daniel Suarez Celebrate Personal Milestone Amidst Racing Drama
Amid competitive struggles, Julia Piquet and Daniel Suarez recently celebrated their one-year wedding anniversary on July 30. To mark the occasion, Piquet posted throwback wedding photos on social media and reflected affectionately on their first year together as a married couple. The couple’s relationship has played out publicly, even during challenging times at the track.
Looking Ahead: Suarez’s Next Move After Trackhouse Racing
Questions about Daniel Suarez’s future have intensified since the announcement of his upcoming exit from Trackhouse Racing. Addressing the news, Suarez responded candidly:
“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,”
—Daniel Suarez
“This is not something new for me. I have known about this for a while. It just happens to be official today. I’m actually a little bit relieved it’s already out and people know about it and we can talk about it and we can move forward with future plans,” he added via X/Jeff Gluck.
—Daniel Suarez
While Suarez’s only victory this season came in an Xfinity Series event at Mexico City, his Cup Series results have been underwhelming. Rumors have connected him with Rick Ware Racing’s third charter for next year, though a potential legal battle between Rick Ware Racing and Legacy Motor Club casts significant doubt on that opportunity. Currently, Suarez ranks 31st in driver standings, amassing 363 points with a single top-five finish all year.
What This Means for Suarez and Trackhouse Racing
The Daniel Suarez Iowa Speedway close call, combined with ongoing poor finishes and upcoming team changes, leaves Suarez at a crossroads as the season winds down. With both Trackhouse Racing teammates heading into the playoffs and Suarez searching for competitive consistency and a new opportunity, the next few weeks will prove critical for his racing career. Fans and the NASCAR community will be watching closely to see how Suarez responds to these mounting challenges and whether he can turn his fortunes around before the season ends.
