One of the newest teams in the NASCAR Cup Series garage has found its new driver and identity for the 2021 season.
TrackHouse, the newly founded team by former NASCAR driver Justin Marks, and Daniel Suarez will hit the track together next season in the No. 99 Camaro.
The future is here.
Welcome to the big show, @TeamTrackhouse. pic.twitter.com/F47qaLjhWB
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 7, 2020
The Monterrey, Mexico native will join his third team in three seasons. After joining Joe Gibbs Racing’s Cup team in 2017, Suarez has since joined Stewart-Haas Racing in 2019, and Gaunt Bros Racing in 2020.
“I see in Trackhouse a great opportunity for me with a very strong group of people that share the same vision, commitment and goals that I have,” Suárez said. “Justin has been involved in the racing world for over 20 years and understands the ins and outs of the sport both as a driver and from the business side. I have learned a lot in the last few years and have been very fortunate to be a part of very good organizations. I have learned that this sport is about people, and I know we are going to work very hard to put together a talented team. Furthermore, getting the support from a strong manufacturer like Chevrolet will be a key to our success. My goal is simple, I want to win races.”
The team will lease a charter from Spire Motorsports – specially the No. 77 per AP’s Jenna Fryer.
Marks says he has leased the 77 from Spire. https://t.co/3aW3cxmd0D
— Jenna Fryer (@JennaFryer) October 7, 2020
The team still still operate a two-car team in 2021 as planned – however the drivers have not been announced at this time. Sources close to TobyChristie.com point that Justin Haley could be ready for his Cup promotion after his strong NASCAR Xfinity Series tenure.
Spire says it will still be a two-car team next year as planned when it bought the 95 charter and has landed an additional charter for 2021. Statement from Spire Motorsports co-owner TJ Puchyr: pic.twitter.com/ezsyoqXkAD
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 7, 2020
“The formation of a top-level NASCAR Cup Series team has been a dream of mine for a long time,” said Justin Marks, founder of TrackHouse. “A lot of hard work has transpired to get us to this point and I don’t think we could’ve ended up with better partners in RCR and Chevrolet and with a more passionate and committed driver than Daniel Suárez. Daniel’s drive and hunger to get to the top of this sport is palpable every time I am in his presence. We are building a team of winners and Daniel has delivered just about every time he’s sat in race winning equipment. It’s my job now to put a car underneath him that will carry him to the highest echelon of the sport.”
Designer Kyle Sykes worked with TrackHouse on the project. He created the scheme, and number design for the newly formed team.
KS Designs on the b-post ?
Pumped to work with @JustinMarksDG and @TeamTrackhouse for this announcement! Hope to continue the partnership into the 2021 season ?? https://t.co/zH2mMFcDGU
— Kyle Sykes (@ksykes_creative) October 7, 2020
TrackHouse will use ECR Engines, adding to Chevrolet’s power after a merged R&D relationship with Hendrick Motorsports was announced between both HMS and RCR.
The No.99 has a winning history the NASCAR Cup Series, logging nearly 50 wins in over 1,100 starts across the sport’s history. Carl Edwards holds the record for most wins and starts in the number, with 373 races and 23 wins respectively. Jeff Burton holds the second most in both categories with nearly 300 starts and 17 wins.
The No.99 has not been on the Cup Series circuit since 2018 with Kyle Weatherman and StarCom Racing. The number went to victory lane twice in 2014, with the number’s last win coming at Sonoma with Carl Edwards.
After a solid season with Stewart-Haas Racing, Suarez moved over to Gaunt Bros Racing with Toyota, and has not had a season to remember.
With an average finish of 26.4, Suarez has only finished on the lead lap seven times in 30 starts this season.
With a multi-year deal now, Suarez will look to build confidence and stability over his time with the young team.
One Response