Daniel Suarez Reflects on Trackhouse Tenure, Eyes New Chapter with Spire Motorsports

As the NASCAR Cup Series season draws to a close, Daniel Suarez is poised to embark on a new journey with Spire Motorsports, marking his fifth team since entering the premier stock car division. His tenure with Trackhouse Racing, spanning from 2021, has been the most significant of his Cup career, yielding his two career victories. Ahead of his final start in the No. 99 Chevrolet for Trackhouse, Suarez sat down with Motorsport.com’s Luis Ramirez to discuss his departure, his accomplishments, and his future ambitions.

"Honestly, I’m very happy because life is a cycle; everything has its moment," Suarez stated, reflecting on the end of his time with Trackhouse. "Many things change during a process, and even though Trackhouse is a great team – the best years of my Cup career have been with Trackhouse – for several months it just wasn’t the same anymore. So, it was time for a change."

Suarez elaborated on the reasons behind the transition, citing a divergence in vision and internal team dynamics. "There were many internal changes and we no longer had the same vision, let’s put it that way. So, it was time for a change, and it was mutual – from them to me as well. It was the right time to move on, and I’m really happy about this change."

The move to Spire Motorsports is viewed by Suarez as a significant opportunity for growth and revitalization. "Spire Motorsports, for me, is that breath of fresh air – a new team that is growing incredibly fast," he explained. "They have great, ambitious owners who are expanding not only in NASCAR but also in other sports. So, this is a great opportunity for me to jump on board with a team that’s on the rise, help them grow even faster, and lead them to victory."

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When asked about his feelings regarding his accomplishments at Trackhouse, Suarez expressed a nuanced perspective. "I’m leaving happy, but not satisfied. I would have liked to be listened to a bit more when it came to the internal changes that were needed within the team. But that’s how life goes. I’m not leaving with bad feelings – it was just time." He emphasized the importance of alignment within a team, stating, "It’s very important in a team at this level that the mindset and the vision are aligned. If not, you start having problems because you’re simply chasing different things. So, for me, it was essential to find a new team that was not only on the rise but also shared the same mentality as me."

The perceived imbalance in resources and focus between Trackhouse’s two entries in recent seasons has been a subject of discussion within the NASCAR community. Suarez acknowledged this, though he remains optimistic about his role at Spire. "Well, honestly, I don’t know yet. They’ve told me a lot of great things, so we’ll see when we get there. But I’ve been really impressed with how aggressive Spire is when it comes to getting people. If they want someone, they go after them and make them a strong offer." He contrasted this with his experience at Trackhouse, noting, "At Trackhouse, I was more used to them taking their time – checking things, waiting, saying ‘we’ll see’ – and that wastes a lot of time and opportunities. Spire is much more aggressive, and I like that – that’s how I am. If I want something, I go for it. Maybe not tomorrow, but I’ll get it. In that sense, we’re very similar. We have a lot of work to do at Spire, but I think we’re on the same page about how to get there."

Suarez also addressed concerns from his fanbase in Mexico about his potential absence from the Cup Series in 2025. He allayed these fears, emphasizing his commitment to competing at the highest level. "I was never afraid of not racing. I was afraid of having to settle – to accept something that wasn’t exactly what I wanted. That’s what I didn’t want to do," he stated. "I had options, but I didn’t want to do something just for the sake of it. I’ve been doing this for several years now, and I want to do it right. I want to wake up every morning excited to be the best version of myself. I didn’t want to join a team that said, ‘Well, let’s see what happens.’ I wanted a team that had the same hunger as me. There were two teams that had that, and Spire was number one. So, I’m very happy that this opportunity came together."

Looking back at his career, Suarez acknowledged the unique path he has forged as a non-American driver in NASCAR. "You know, yes and no," he responded when asked if he felt he was where he wanted to be after nearly a decade in the Cup Series. "That’s a very good question – no one had asked me that before. I’d say yes because I’ve learned so much. I didn’t have a dad, an uncle, or a grandfather who taught me everything about racing. I had to learn it all on my own." He continued, "Would I like to have more wins, more championships, and more stability with teams? Of course. But every driver is different. I’m a different kind of driver – that’s why I’m the only Mexican here. My journey has been completely different from everyone else’s, and I’ve had to struggle in a different way. So, yes, I’d like to have more, but at the same time, I’ve had to go through a lot more than most others. It’s hard to compare myself to them."

Suarez identified the 2022 and 2024 seasons as his personal highlights with Trackhouse. "I’d say 2022 and 2024. Those were definitely our best years," he remarked. "Maybe we just lacked a few things – whether it was team performance, strategy, or me making better decisions – but yes, 2022 was definitely our best year as a team." However, he also expressed concern about the team’s recent trajectory. "But that was three or four years ago, and that’s important to recognize – some teams rise, some level off, others decline. It’s crucial to be with a team when it’s on the rise. I was with Trackhouse when we were going up, but lately, not so much. That’s somewhat concerning, especially on Saturdays."

Regarding his contribution to Spire Motorsports, Suarez is confident in his ability to impart valuable experience. "Well, as you mentioned, all the experience I have. I know what it takes for a team to be successful," he said. "The team has to help you get what you need – you ask for what’s required, and the team must support you in achieving it. That’s going to be key to building this new project with Spire."

As for his final races with Trackhouse, Suarez is focused on ending his tenure on a high note. "For me, I’ve always said that as a race car driver, you’re only as good as your last race. So, it’s very important to finish strong. I want to close this chapter with my head held high, hopefully with a win. I’m going to work as hard as I always have to try to finish my time with Trackhouse on a high note."

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Suarez acknowledged the difficult situation surrounding the absence of a Mexico race. "Honestly, it’s a bit of a tough situation because with the World Cup and the scheduling, I knew 2026 would be complicated. However, the enthusiasm and the effort from all sides are still there, so I think there’s a very good chance we can return in 2027."

Suarez’s career has been marked by resilience and a drive to succeed against the odds. His upcoming move to Spire Motorsports signals a fresh start, fueled by a desire for a shared vision and an aggressive approach to achieving victory in the highly competitive NASCAR Cup Series.