Daniel Suárez is set to leave Trackhouse Racing at the conclusion of the current racing season. While both parties initially described the separation as mutual, Suárez has since revealed underlying tensions within the team, feeling somewhat sidelined as the split unfolded. Despite these challenges, Suárez’s connection with teammate Ross Chastain remains strong and unshaken.
The Friendship Between Suárez and Chastain Beyond the Track
Off the racetrack, Suárez and Chastain built a close relationship based on respect and shared goals. Their camaraderie was nurtured through time spent together away from racing, reinforcing a deep professional and personal bond. Chastain praised how Suárez’s presence shaped his early days at Trackhouse, emphasizing how their teamwork helped define their years with the organization.
Chastain remarked,
“It’s been incredible. It’s been four years together, my entire time at Trackhouse. And really, once we moved into the Concord building, it was him and I. He’s the most like-minded person outside of the car of a teammate that I’ve ever had.”
—Ross Chastain, NASCAR driver
They shared similar stages in their careers when Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks brought them on board, pushing each other not only on the track but also in personal fitness goals, with Chastain noting,
“We were at the same, I feel like, parts in our careers where we had something to prove, when Justin [Marks, Trackhouse Racing team owner] hired us. We put the time in the gym. We’re like 20 pounds apart.”
—Ross Chastain
Setting the Pace for Trackhouse’s Early Success
Suárez was the first to enter the Cup Series with Trackhouse, followed by Chastain a year later, and together they laid a strong foundation for the team’s competitiveness in 2022. Their combined efforts resulted in impressive performances that helped raise Trackhouse’s profile in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Chastain earned victories at Circuit of the Americas and Talladega, while Suárez celebrated his inaugural Cup win at Sonoma a few weeks afterward. The pair accumulated an impressive 21 top-five finishes that season, with Chastain finishing second and Suárez tenth in the overall standings.
Chastain highlighted one of their most memorable moments, saying,
“Both of us winning, seeing his excitement for me at COTA, and then me when he won at Sonoma. I parked the car where I had to, and then I ran up to the start-finish line where he was celebrating. Just seeing that come full circle for both of us.”
—Ross Chastain
Shared Journey and the Road Ahead for Suárez
Their paths to Trackhouse mirrored each other, both fueled by a desire to prove themselves in NASCAR’s top tier. This shared experience of overcoming challenges and celebrating career-first wins established a bond extending beyond racing statistics or race results.
Looking forward, Suárez faces an uncertain future in the Cup Series as he leaves Trackhouse. With limited available seats for the 2025 season, he remains determined to continue competing at the highest level rather than moving down to the Xfinity Series to wait for another opportunity. Suárez’s commitment to remaining in the Cup Series underscores his dedication to advancing his career regardless of obstacles.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why do they call Ross Chastain watermelon Man?
A. Ross, known as “The Watermelon Man,” “Melon Man,” and “NASCAR’s Busiest Driver,” has a unique victory celebration. After winning races, he smashes a watermelon from his car’s roof. Recently, he’s been winning frequently, which means he’s had many chances to do his signature move.
Q. Why is Ross Chastain called the Watermelon Man?
A. Winning the first race of the season allowed him to celebrate by smashing a watermelon in victory lane. This is a tradition he began to honor his farming roots. Chastain is often called The Watermelon Man because his family has a history in watermelon farming.
Q. Why is Ross Chastain the Watermelon man?
A. True to his traditions, Chastain celebrated by smashing a watermelon on the racetrack. During a press conference after the race, he shared that he got emotional in the final laps because of how important the win was. Winning secured him a spot in the playoffs for the first time in his career.
