In a stunning turn of events just days before the Daytona 500, global music icon Pitbull has severed ties with Trackhouse Racing, the NASCAR team he helped elevate into the mainstream. The Cuban-American superstar, whose presence brought a fresh audience to the sport, announced his immediate departure from the team on Friday.
“We have made the decision to terminate the partnership with Trackhouse Racing, effective immediately,” Pitbull stated.
While the move may not disrupt Trackhouse Racing’s overall operations—Ross Chastain, Shane van Gisbergen, and Daniel Suárez remain the team’s full-time Cup Series drivers—it could have major ramifications for Suárez’s future.
Pitbull’s Investment Was Key for Suárez—Now, the Pressure Is On
When Pitbull joined Trackhouse Racing in 2021, his partnership wasn’t just about expanding NASCAR’s fanbase—it was also a critical link to Suárez’s place on the team.
Suárez, the first full-time Mexican driver in NASCAR Cup Series history, has been fighting to secure his long-term place in the organization. But without Pitbull’s backing, the cracks in his Trackhouse tenure are more visible than ever.
NASCAR analyst Eric Estepp pinpointed why this departure could be a game-changer for Suárez’s contract negotiations.
“I do believe this could have an impact on Daniel Suárez’s future. Suárez signed a one-year extension last season. He is in a contract year and does not have a deal for 2026… He admitted again during media day this week that early last season, Suárez and Marks were having their doubts about this relationship.”
With no deal in place beyond 2025, Suárez is in a make-or-break season—and history suggests that Trackhouse doesn’t hesitate to make brutal decisions.
Trackhouse Doesn’t Settle for Mediocrity—Will Suárez Survive?
Trackhouse Racing has already shown that underperformance isn’t tolerated.
- Last year, Zane Smith—one of NASCAR’s hottest young prospects—was pushed out to make room for Shane van Gisbergen.
- Connor Zilisch, another rising star, is making waves, increasing the pressure on Suárez.
With only two career wins in 252 Cup Series starts, Suárez has struggled to consistently deliver. Despite a thrilling 0.003-second Atlanta win last season, he managed just four top-five finishes, finishing 12th in the standings—a far cry from true championship contention.
If Trackhouse is already looking toward the future, Suárez could easily find himself on the chopping block.
How Can Suárez Save His Seat? The Answer Is Simple—Win.
The only way for Suárez to secure his place in Trackhouse Racing’s long-term vision is to start racking up wins—immediately.
The Mexican driver isn’t blind to the stakes. His mindset heading into 2025 is laser-focused:
“At the end of the day, I’m only worried about myself. I worry about how can I bring myself to have the best opportunity possible to win multiple races a year. That’s my main goal.”
With his past success at Atlanta, there’s a glimmer of hope—but Suárez needs to deliver on a consistent basis, not just pull off the occasional headline-making finish.
The Bottom Line: Suárez Must Prove He Belongs
Pitbull’s exit has intensified an already fragile situation. Without his key backer, Daniel Suárez is in a fight for his career.
In NASCAR, results always speak louder than relationships. With Connor Zilisch lurking as a possible replacement, the only thing that will keep Suárez in his seat at Trackhouse Racing is performance.
The message is clear: Win, or watch someone else take your place.
