Daniel Suarez to Depart Trackhouse Racing in 2026 After Mutual Agreement
Daniel Suarez, the only Mexican-born driver to win a national series race in a NASCAR event, will not return to Trackhouse Racing in 2026.
Trackhouse and Suarez have called the parting a “mutual decision” that allows the veteran driver the chance to pursue another opportunity for next season. Trackhouse did not name a replacement in the No. 99 Chevrolet.
Suarez on His Departure: ‘A New Chapter’
Speaking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Suarez said: “This is just a new chapter. That’s all it is … This is not a sad moment. It’s just a change and it happens.”
Suarez added that it was not a sudden decision: “I have known about this for a while. … I’m actually a little bit relieved that this is out and people know about it and we can talk about it and we can move forward with future plans and continue to work. I’m excited for whatever comes next.”
Career Overview: Suarez’s Trackhouse Journey and Milestones
Suarez, 33, has won two races in 305 Cup Series starts. This is his fifth season with Trackhouse Racing, and he has made the playoffs twice during his tenure.
His best season with the team was in 2022, when he finished 10th in the standings and secured his first career Cup Series race victory. He finished 12th last season, winning his second race in the process. This season, he currently sits at 29th in the points standings.
Key Achievements and Milestones
Suarez, who became an American citizen in 2024, also boasts a notable career beyond the Cup Series. Prior to joining Trackhouse, he raced for prominent teams such as Joe Gibbs Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing.
His career highlights include:
- Winning the 2016 championship in the Xfinity Series, a step below the Cup Series.
- Securing three wins at the Xfinity Series level.
- Recording one Truck Series win.
- Making a triumphant return to his home country on June 14, winning the Xfinity Series race in Mexico City while driving for JR Motorsports at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
Trackhouse Racing’s Vision: Looking Ahead
When Trackhouse came into existence as a single-car team in 2021, they brought on Suarez as a key part of their inaugural lineup.
Reflecting on their journey, Suarez wrote on X: “We took a team nobody had even heard of in 2021 and in just a couple of years we were winning races and running upfront on a weekly basis. Sometimes things change and we have agreed to each go in our own direction.”
Potential Successor: Connor Zilisch
Suarez’s departure opens the door for Trackhouse to potentially promote a rising star in Connor Zilisch, who has been waiting in the wings as a development driver.
Zilisch currently drives in the Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports. While no official announcement has been made regarding his future role, expectations are that Zilisch will be the replacement for Suarez at Trackhouse.
Current Driver Roster
Beyond the potential addition of Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing currently has Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen under contract.
Justin Marks Thanks Suarez
Trackhouse founder and owner Justin Marks expressed his gratitude for Suarez’s contributions to the team.
“The role Daniel has played in the Trackhouse origin story and its first five years will remain a valued part of the company’s history forever,” Marks said.
