Daniel Suarez, the celebrated driver for Trackhouse Racing, faces a crucial moment in his career as he prepares for the upcoming race at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). His future with the team could be at stake, as 18-year-old prodigy Connor Zilisch looks set to make his mark.
Last season, Suarez emerged as a hero within Trackhouse Racing. His triumphant win at the Atlanta spring race kept the team’s spirits high, despite the struggles of teammate Ross Chastain. Yet, the recent Atlanta race didn’t go as planned for Suarez, resulting in a DNF (Did Not Finish) after getting tangled up with Ty Gibbs and Todd Gilliland. This setback could have severe repercussions for the Mexican driver’s standing within the team.
Suarez is known for his prowess on drafting tracks. His near-victory in last season’s Atlanta playoffs race is a testament to that. His impressive performance there is believed to have influenced the decision of Justin Marks, Trackhouse Racing owner, to extend Suarez’s contract for another year. But with the recent Atlanta mishap and a road race up next, Suarez finds himself in a precarious position.
Enter Connor Zilisch, the 18-year-old sensation who has been turning heads in the racing world. Last year, he dominated his debut race at Watkins Glen, leading from pole to checkered, a feat that earned him a full-time ride for the 2025 Xfinity season. Trackhouse and JR Motorsports, under their partnership, have given him the opportunity to commandeer JRM’s #88 ride this season. Despite a rough start with DNFs in both Daytona and Atlanta races, Zilisch is expected to shine in the upcoming road course at COTA.
Zilisch is not just aiming for a win at COTA, he is targeting history. He seeks to claim the title of the youngest Cup Series winner, a record currently held by Joey Logano at 19. He believes he is ready to make that leap, stating, “I don’t feel like there’s anything that tells me that I’m not ready to race on a road course on Sunday.”
Trackhouse Racing could potentially dominate the COTA race with Shane van Gisbergen, the road course king, making his debut Cup Season and Zilisch joining him. However, the stakes remain high for Suarez, who desperately needs a satisfactory finish, not just because of Zilisch’s potential rise but due to his own disappointing campaign in 2025.
Suarez’s performance this season has been less than stellar. He finished 22nd at ‘The Clash’ at Bowman Gray Stadium, followed by DNFs in both the Daytona Duel race and Atlanta. This means he hasn’t completed a points race yet this season, making COTA crucial for him.
Unfortunately, Suarez’s track record at COTA is not particularly encouraging. His best finish was 24th in 2022, though he has had positive starts there. This mirrors the story of his Cup Series career so far – promising starts but a failure to convert them into wins or high finishes.
In his 9th Cup Series season, Suarez has only two wins from 289 starts. While his 22 top-5 finishes are not bad, they are far from remarkable. Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks has ambitious plans for the team, bringing in top international talent through his ‘Project 97’. With this speed of progress, Suarez needs to step up his game or risk being replaced.
Still, Suarez has demonstrated his potential. Road courses are his strength, and he has consistently achieved good average finishes. His performance at COTA could be his chance to prove his worth once again.
Meanwhile, Zilisch, who enjoys the backing of Red Bull, could be a potential sponsorship opportunity for Trackhouse Racing, making him an enticing prospect for Marks.
With so much at stake, the upcoming COTA race promises to be a thrilling event. Will Suarez hold on to his #99 car, or will the young ringer Zilisch dominate the track? Only time will tell.