Daniel Suárez, one of NASCAR’s most prominent international drivers, finds himself at a crossroads as pressure mounts on the #99 team at Trackhouse Racing to deliver competitive results in the upcoming season. While Suárez doesn’t necessarily need to have a career-defining breakout year, insiders say his future with the organization could depend on the team’s ability to match the performance level of its counterpart, the #1 car driven by Ross Chastain.

The Challenge Facing the #99 Team
Since joining Trackhouse Racing in 2021, Suárez has become the face of the team’s push to engage a broader, more diverse fan base. However, while Suárez has shown flashes of brilliance—most notably with his maiden Cup Series win at Sonoma in 2022—his results have often lagged behind Chastain, who made a deep playoff run and nearly won the championship in 2022.
The disparity in performance between the #1 and #99 teams has become a growing concern. While Chastain has consistently contended for wins and remained a fixture in the playoffs, Suárez has struggled with inconsistency, largely attributed to car setups and execution issues during races.
“This isn’t about Daniel’s talent,” said a former crew chief familiar with Trackhouse Racing. “He’s proven he can run up front when given the right equipment. The question is whether the #99 team can bring the same level of execution and competitiveness as the #1 team.”
Suárez’s Expectations and Options
For Suárez, the stakes are high. As the only Mexican-born full-time driver in the NASCAR Cup Series, he carries the hopes of an international fan base. But in the high-pressure world of NASCAR, results matter. If the #99 team doesn’t step up its game in 2025, Suárez may explore other opportunities.
“Suárez is a driver who doesn’t need to prove he belongs in the Cup Series anymore,” said a motorsports analyst. “But he does need a competitive car to show what he’s truly capable of. If Trackhouse can’t deliver that, he’ll have no shortage of teams interested in him.”
What the #99 Team Needs to Do
To retain Suárez and remain a top-tier organization, Trackhouse Racing will need to address several areas:
1. Consistency in Equipment: The #99 car must match the pace of the #1 car, ensuring Suárez has equal opportunities to succeed.
2. Strategic Upgrades: Improved pit strategy and race execution could make the difference between finishing mid-pack and contending for wins.
3. Team Chemistry: Building stronger communication between Suárez, his crew chief, and the team could lead to more consistent results.
A Make-or-Break Year
With NASCAR’s competitive landscape becoming more intense, 2025 could prove pivotal for both Suárez and Trackhouse Racing. While Suárez doesn’t need to have a breakout season, the #99 team must rise to the challenge and deliver results comparable to the #1 team.

The clock is ticking, and if things don’t improve, Suárez may find himself looking for a fresh start elsewhere. For now, all eyes are on Trackhouse Racing to see if they can provide the tools Suárez needs to thrive and solidify his place as one of the sport’s top talents.