Daniel Suarez addresses his uncertain Trackhouse future as Dale Jr.’s prodigy sets sight on the Mexican’s NASCAR seat

With Daniel Suarez seemingly struggling to find his footing this season, his future with Trackhouse Racing looks uncertain, especially with a young prodigy in the mix. However, Suarez recently said that he is happy with the team and wants to be more competitive.

The young prodigy in question is Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing's development driver, who is currently driving for Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s JR Motorsports. While Suarez only has one top-10 in nine races, Zilisch secured three in his respective series, including a win at Circuit of the Americas.

In a report by Motorsports.com, the #99 Chevrolet Camaro driver shared his thoughts on his future, saying the next decade is critical in his goal to win a championship.

"I know that the next 10 years of my career are going to be the most important years. And if I want to win a championship, I have to be focused on how I'm going to do it. So, I believe Trackhouse can give me those tools," Suarez said.

While the Mexico-born driver has faith in Trackhouse Racing, he touched on talking with other teams, though he argued it was too early at this point in time.

"That has to be reflected. Let's see what happens. It's also very early to talk to other teams. But I am happy with Trackhouse. However, I am not satisfied. I want to be more competitive. I want more. And hopefully, we can achieve it together," he added.

Daniel Suarez drives the #99 Chevrolet Camaro for Trackhouse Racing - Source: Imagn

Daniel Suarez's best finish so far is second place at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Despite a mighty drive starting from 23rd, Josh Berry showcased strong pace and built a comfortable lead in the closing laps to win the race.

His potential replacement, Connor Zilisch, has had consistent outings but has been compromised by pit road mishaps on several occasions. In addition to his three top-10s, the 18-year-old rookie managed to secure the pole position thrice.

They once shared the track at COTA (Cup) but crashed with each other on lap 50 before exiting the race early.

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"We have work to do to catch up": Daniel Suarez on team struggles in 2025 NASCAR season

While Trackhouse Racing started the Next-Gen Car era strong, the team is coming short of good race results this year. Daniel Suarez believes the team needs to step up as big organizations like Hendrick Motorsports are pulling away in terms of development.

The #99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet pilot said (via Motorsports.com):

"We have work to do. Teams like Hendrick, Penske, Joe Gibbs... the big, strong teams are getting a little further away from us each time."

"The big teams had a bit more of an advantage every three or four months. All the races this year have been won by three teams.That's what I just mentioned to you. We have work to do to catch up with them," he added.

Daniel Suarez during the 2025 Daytona 500 - Source: Imagn

After the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, Joe Gibbs Racing leads the race win list with five victories, followed by Hendrick Motorports with three. Team Penske may have not won but three of its drivers had led the most lap in the early part of the year.

Meanwhile, looking at the other Trackhouse Racing drivers, Ross Chastain has had a decent season with one top-5 and five top-10 finishes. Shane van Gisbergen has only one top-10, hampered with three DNFs.