After five years together at Trackhouse Racing, Daniel Suárez and the team are parting ways, leaving Shane Van Gisbergen to contemplate the impact of their partnership. As Suárez’s exit reshapes the team ahead of the 2026 season, Van Gisbergen shares his thoughts on the strong bond they developed and how he plans to move forward.
Building a Strong Partnership Between Van Gisbergen and Suárez
Trackhouse Racing entered the NASCAR Cup Series in 2021 with Daniel Suárez as its sole driver, marking the beginning of a new chapter for both the team and the Mexican racer. Since then, the organization has grown to three full-time cars, including one driven by Shane Van Gisbergen, a former Australian Supercars champion.
Suárez’s time with Trackhouse Racing culminated after five seasons, highlighted by two victories in the Cup Series—one at Sonoma in 2022 and another at Atlanta in 2024. Additionally, his recent triumph in the 2025 Chilango 150 in the Xfinity Series at Mexico City marked a significant milestone during his final contract year with the team. Throughout this period, questions about Suárez’s future remained unresolved.
Justin Marks, Trackhouse Racing’s founder, explained that the team must continually explore new opportunities as part of its growth strategy, which led to the decision to welcome fresh talent and transition from a veteran driver. This shift signals the beginning of a new era for the team while ending a valued chapter with Suárez.
This change will alter the team dynamics considerably, particularly for Van Gisbergen, who developed a close rapport with the 33-year-old Mexican driver during their time together. Van Gisbergen recently spoke about this connection during a conversation on the Rubbin is Racing podcast, describing a relationship built on openness and mutual respect.
I’ve loved being a teammate with Daniel [Suárez], and whenever he asks me something on a road course, or I ask him something at Oval, it’s it’s awesome. Communication’s open. He’s a great teammate and good to race with on track,
Van Gisbergen said.
Van Gisbergen’s Perspective on Moving Forward Without Suárez
Reflecting on Suárez’s recent success in Mexico City, Van Gisbergen considered that race one of the most memorable experiences he has witnessed, even though he wasn’t behind the wheel. He described the event as an “epic” and “coolest racing experience” outside his own participation.
With the 2025 season still underway, Van Gisbergen aims to absorb as much knowledge as possible from Suárez in their remaining time together. Their mutual admiration remains clear as they prepare to finish the season side-by-side.
Meanwhile, Daniel Suárez’s future remains uncertain, as he does not currently have a confirmed ride for 2026. Fans hope that JR Motorsports will offer him a seat in the Xfinity Series, keeping the talented driver active in competitive racing.
Trackhouse Racing’s new chapter is expected to feature Connor Zilisch purportedly stepping into a full-time Cup Series role in 2026. This adjustment will require Van Gisbergen to adapt to new teammate relationships while maintaining the cooperative and communicative approach that defined his partnership with Suárez.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Shane van Gisbergen quit?
A. Shane van Gisbergen believes he made the “right choice” by leaving Supercars to chase a career in NASCAR. This year, he starts his first complete season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing, after spending 15 years in Supercars.
Q. How much did Shane van Gisbergen win in NASCAR?
A. Shane van Gisbergen, driving for Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet SVG, first won in Chicago during his 2023 debut. After that, he secured a victory at the first-ever Cup race in Mexico City early this year and recently, another win in Chicago. These three victories have made him the top foreign-born winner in NASCAR Cup Series history.
