Trackhouse Racing Celebrates Daniel Suárez's Legacy Ahead of Phoenix Finale

PHOENIX, AZ – As the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season draws to a close at Phoenix Raceway this weekend, Trackhouse Racing is set to formally honor Daniel Suárez, the team’s inaugural driver, ahead of his final race with the organization. Suárez, who has been a cornerstone of Trackhouse since its inception in 2021, will depart at the end of the season, with plans to join Spire Motorsports in 2026.

The relationship between Suárez and Trackhouse Racing represents a significant chapter in the team’s rapid ascent. Suárez was not only the first driver signed by the burgeoning team, founded by Justin Marks, but he also served as the pilot for many of the organization’s initial milestones. Under his tenure, Trackhouse achieved its first top-five finish, its first top-ten result, and led its first laps in the Cup Series.

Suárez’s contributions to Trackhouse are punctuated by two significant victories. In 2022, he secured the team’s maiden Cup Series win at Sonoma Raceway. This was followed by an iconic triumph at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2024, a race remembered for its dramatic, three-wide photo finish, which stands as one of the closest finishes in NASCAR history. His performance in that race, where he edged out Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch by mere inches, cemented his place in the sport’s record books and further amplified Trackhouse’s growing reputation.

The decision for Suárez to move on from Trackhouse was characterized by mutual respect and a shared understanding of career progression. While the details of his departure were announced earlier in the year, the focus this weekend will be on acknowledging the impact he has had on the team’s formative years.

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"Trackhouse was literally a piece of paper the first time I heard about the team," Suárez reflected in a recent team advance. "It was interesting to me, because I was coming from a team that was an upstart project, but when the COVID epidemic hit, it didn’t work out. Essentially Trackhouse was a similar project. I believed in it right away; my dad and others did not, but my gut was telling me that it was something good after talking with Justin."

This intuition proved to be prescient. Suárez articulated that Trackhouse was the first team in the NASCAR Cup Series to offer him "100% trust," a sentiment that underscored the collaborative spirit of their partnership. "We were able to build something very good together and I’m very proud of that," he added. "Definitely the best moments of my career in the Cup Series have been at Trackhouse and that’s another thing I’m going to keep with me."

During his tenure with Trackhouse, Suárez qualified for the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs on two occasions, reaching a championship standing of tenth place. This level of consistent performance, particularly for a team in its developmental stages, highlighted Suárez’s skill and dedication.

In recognition of his contributions, Trackhouse Racing has prepared a special tribute for Suárez’s 180th and final Cup Series start with the team. This includes a unique paint scheme for his No. 99 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, designed to commemorate his time with the organization. Furthermore, Suárez will be utilizing the same helmet he wore during the recent NASCAR Mexico Series weekend in Mexico City, a nod to his heritage and a significant personal achievement, where he captured a victory in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. This inclusion of his Mexico City helmet serves as a personal touch, connecting his broader racing journey with his time at Trackhouse.

Team owner and founder Justin Marks delivered a heartfelt farewell message to Suárez as part of a tribute video compiled by the team. "Dear Daniel, thank you for giving this team your all," Marks stated. "From the very beginning, you helped lay the foundation of what Trackhouse would become. You believed in this vision when it was still just the beginning, and through every challenge, you helped turn it into something real. Every race, every fight, and every moment that reminded us why we do what we do."

Marks continued, emphasizing Suárez’s impact on the team’s culture and identity. "You brought energy, passion, and heart to the Trackhouse. You gave our fans moments they’ll never forget. You carried yourself with pride. Trackhouse grew with you. We learned, we fought, we celebrated together, and the memories we made along the way will always be part of our story. Thank you Daniel for everything you’ve given to this team."

The upcoming race at Phoenix Raceway holds significance beyond Suárez’s farewell. The one-mile oval serves as the championship venue for the NASCAR Cup Series, where the 2024 season champion will be crowned. While Suárez is not in contention for the championship this year, his final appearance with Trackhouse will be a focal point for the team and its supporters.

Suárez’s departure marks the end of an era for Trackhouse Racing, a team that has rapidly established itself as a competitive force in the Cup Series. His tenure has been instrumental in shaping the team’s identity and achieving early successes. As he prepares to embark on his next chapter with Spire Motorsports, the accolades and reflections from Trackhouse Racing underscore the profound impact Daniel Suárez has had on the organization, from its nascent stages to its current standing in the sport. His legacy with Trackhouse is cemented through race wins, personal milestones, and the foundational role he played in building the team.