Daniel Suarez, a pivotal figure in Trackhouse Racing’s ascent, is set to embark on his fifth NASCAR Cup Series team with Spire Motorsports. His tenure with Trackhouse, beginning in 2021, marked a significant chapter, witnessing both of his Cup Series victories and substantial personal growth. As he prepares for his final races under the No. 99 banner, Suarez engaged in an in-depth conversation with Motorsport.com’s Luis Ramirez, reflecting on his journey, the circumstances leading to his departure, and his aspirations for the future.

"Honestly, I’m very happy because life is a cycle; everything has its moment," Suarez stated, acknowledging the natural progression of a career in motorsports. "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. There were many internal changes and we no longer had the same vision, let’s put it that way." This candid assessment highlights a divergence in strategic direction as a key factor in his decision.

Suarez elaborated on the mutual nature of the separation: "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." He views his move to Spire Motorsports as a revitalizing step. "Spire Motorsports, for me, is that breath of fresh air – a new team that is growing incredibly fast. 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."

Reflecting on his accomplishments at Trackhouse, Suarez expressed a complex sentiment. "I’m leaving happy, but not satisfied," he admitted. "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." The emphasis on internal alignment underscores the importance of shared vision in high-performance environments. "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."

Related News :

• Phoenix Tire Woes: Teams Push Limits in Championship Showdown, Not Supplier
• NASCAR Antitrust Lawsuit Reaches Critical Juncture as Mediation Looms Before December Trial
• Talladega Sees Unprecedented Lead Changes, Nearing NASCAR Record
• Hamlin Devastated by Narrow NASCAR Cup Series Championship Loss at Phoenix
• NASCAR Xfinity Title Loss Derails Connor Zilisch’s WEC Hypercar Test Aspirations

The transition to Spire Motorsports brings with it the prospect of a defined leadership role. Suarez conveyed his initial impressions: "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." This contrasts with his experience at Trackhouse, where he perceived a more measured approach. "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."

The period leading up to this announcement was marked by uncertainty for Suarez and his supporters, particularly in Mexico. Addressing concerns about his racing future, he stated, "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 emphasized his selective approach to team selection. "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 trajectory, Suarez acknowledged the unique challenges he has faced as a non-American driver in NASCAR. "You know, yes and no. 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."

When asked to identify his most memorable season with Trackhouse, Suarez pointed to 2022 and 2024. "I’d say 2022 and 2024. Those were definitely our best years. 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." He also observed a shift in the team’s momentum: "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."

As Suarez transitions to Spire Motorsports, he aims to leverage his extensive experience. "Well, as you mentioned, all the experience I have. I know what it takes for a team to be successful. 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."

Suarez expressed his desire to conclude his time with Trackhouse on a strong 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."

The absence of a Mexico race in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series calendar was also addressed. "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."

Reflecting on his nearly decade-long career in the NASCAR Cup Series, particularly his historic achievement as the first non-American champion in a national series (Xfinity Series in 2016), Suarez offered a nuanced perspective. "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 acknowledged the desire for more accolades but underscored the unique nature of his journey. "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."

💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook

Author Profile

rifan muazin

Latest entries

• Nascar CupNovember 7, 2025Trackhouse Racing’s Bold Numbering Strategy for 2026 Unveiled in Heartfelt Video, Assigning Iconic #97 to Shane van Gisbergen.
• Nascar CupNovember 7, 2025NASCAR Legends Penske and Hendrick Seek to Narrow Scope of Antitrust Lawsuit Depositions
• Nascar CupNovember 7, 2025Daniel Suarez Parts Ways with Trackhouse Racing Amidst Strategic Divergence, Eyes New Horizon with Spire Motorsports
• Nascar CupNovember 7, 2025NASCAR Dismisses "Absurd" Notion of Bias in Potential Denny Hamlin Penalties