Daniel Suarez joins Spire Motorsports for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, stepping into the No. 7 Chevrolet ZL1 and ending speculation about his next career move. The announcement comes as the season nears its close, giving Suarez a new home after his exit from Trackhouse Racing.
Suarez’s transition brings Freeway Insurance along as sponsor, signaling confidence in his partnership and the future with Spire. The journey to this agreement followed much uncertainty after five years driving the No. 99 car for Trackhouse, during which he twice reached the Cup playoffs and became a consistent contender.
Spire Motorsports’ Ambitions and Growth
Landing Suarez is a sign of Spire Motorsports’ ambitions, as the team continues its expansion across the Cup and Truck Series. The timing is significant, with just Martinsville and Phoenix remaining on the schedule and other teams finalizing their roster plans. By securing Suarez now, Spire positions itself as a growing force aiming for greater achievements.
“Spire’s growth over the last few years is quite impressive,”
Saurez said in a news release.
“There is a lot more out there to achieve, and I want to be part of that.”
— Daniel Saurez, Driver
A Former Rivalry Transformed into Teamwork
Suarez’s arrival brings him alongside Michael McDowell, a driver with whom he once had a memorable incident during 2019 qualifying at Phoenix that generated headlines for weeks. What was once a heated rivalry has mellowed into mutual respect, with both now sharing the same garage and joking about their past conflicts.
The unusual journey from on-track scuffle to teammates demonstrates the evolving nature of racing relationships. Suarez, reflecting on the situation, has even joked about how he and McDowell’s friendship has grown. The two are now looking forward to a new chapter working together.
Who would have imagined that two drivers who once exchanged punches would find themselves collaborating under the same banner?
What the Move Means for Suarez and Spire Motorsports
For Suarez, joining Spire is more than a career move; it’s an opportunity for a new beginning with a team eager for progress. Meanwhile, Spire’s acquisition of a playoff-proven driver signals its growing competitiveness. With Suarez and McDowell now sharing a garage, and the support of Freeway Insurance, Spire Motorsports is positioning itself as an up-and-coming force in NASCAR’s Cup Series, while fans watch for how this newly formed partnership will impact the racetrack in 2026.
Daniel Suarez will be teammates with Michael McDowell at Spire Motorsports, years after they got in a fight on pit road during qualifying at Phoenix in 2019.
Suarez referenced that fight and said he and McDowell actually became very close afterwards. Says McDowell called him… pic.twitter.com/VVYsWMRa7M
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) October 22, 2025
