Daniel Suarez talks 2026 NASCAR plans amid forthcoming Trackhouse split
CHICAGO — For the first time since it was announced, Daniel Suarez opened up about his forthcoming split from Trackhouse Racing in NASCAR. Photo: Ryan Kemna/TRE Heading into the Chicago Street Course race weekend and coming off of a wreck at Atlanta, Suarez announced the split on social media. MORE: Daniel Suarez to leave Trackhouse […]
CHICAGO — For the first time since it was announced, Daniel Suarez opened up about his forthcoming split from Trackhouse Racing in NASCAR.
Photo: Ryan Kemna/TRE
Heading into the Chicago Street Course race weekend and coming off of a wreck at Atlanta, Suarez announced the split on social media.
MORE: Daniel Suarez to leave Trackhouse Racing after 2025
“It was a relief,” Suarez said. “Things change, people change and that’s okay. Nothing wrong with that. There was just wasn’t, a, love, but there is no hard feelings at all. We had two amazing years together and it’s time for a change.”
Suarez elaborated on his relief with how long this has been coming.
“It’s been hard the last six months because I wasn’t happy anymore,” Suarez said.
Photo: Dominic Aragon/TRE
After 18 NASCAR Cup Series races in 2025, Suarez is 29th in points with a second-place finish at Las Vegas and top 10 finishes at Talladega and Texas. At this point last season, he was 11 spots higher in points and had a win at Atlanta to lock him into the playoffs.
Although he hasn’t won in the Cup Series, Suarez isn’t winless this season. In front of a home crowd at Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, Suarez won the NASCAR Xfinity Series race — quelling a 19th-place Cup finish there.
With Trackhouse prospect and JR Motorsports driver Connor Zilisch shaping up to be Suarez’s replacement, many people floated the idea of Suarez effectively swapping rides with Zilisch in 2026.
As of now, Suarez isn’t keen on a move like that.
“In my mind, I have nothing to prove in Xfinity. I had one of the best weekends in Mexico City. I hadn’t been in a competitive car since 2016 and I love the series but I want to compete with the best of the best. That’s why I wake up every morning, is to compete with the best of the best, so that’s what we want to do,” Suarez said.
Photo: Dominic Aragon/TREPhoto by Sean Gardner/Getty Images
Suarez has two Cup wins — at Sonoma in 2022 and Atlanta in 2024 — and playoff appearances in each year to boot. He also has sponsorship to further boost his chances of getting a Cup ride in 2026.
“I feel like I’m in the best moment of my career on track and off track. I have great partners who follow me everywhere. With everything happening in Mexico and here in the U.S., with the Hispanic market growing so much, I feel blessed to be the face of it. I think we’re going to be fine,” Suarez said.
With the announcement public, the 2026 season really begins for Suarez.
“I’m confident in that but I couldn’t talk to anyone until this week. We’ve been working to find new options and find something,” Suarez said.
Still, Suarez and his team have a championship to race for.
“We have the rest of the season to run and I love the 99 team. They’re the best team I have ever had,” Suarez said.
SONOMA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 12: Daniel Suarez, driver of the #99 Onx Homes/Renu Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on June 12, 2022 in Sonoma, California. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Ryan Kemna contributed to this report.
Jonathan Fjeld is the co-owner of the The Racing Experts, LLC. He has been with TRE since 2010.
A Twin Valley, MN, native, Fjeld became a motorsports fan at just three years old (first race was the 2002 Pennsylvania 500). He worked as a contributor and writer for TRE from 2010-18. Since then, he has stepped up and covered 24 NASCAR race weekends and taken on a larger role with TRE. He became the co-owner and managing editor in 2023 and has guided the site to massive growth in that time.
Fjeld has covered a wide array of stories and moments over the years, including Kevin Harvick’s final Cup Series season, the first NASCAR national series disqualification in over 50 years, Shane van Gisbergen’s stunning win in Chicago and the first Cup Series race at Road America in 66 years – as well as up-and-coming drivers’ stories and stories from inside the sport, like the tech it takes for Hendrick Motorsports to remain a top-tier team.
Currently, he resides in Albuquerque, N.M., where he works for KOB 4, an NBC station. He works as a digital producer and does on-air reports. He loves spending time with friends and family, playing and listening to music, exploring new places, being outdoors, reading books and writing among other activities. You can email him at fjeldjonathan@gmail.com
NASCAR Driver Pays Tribute to Hulk Hogan With Special Livery
By Nelson Espinal lives and breathes sports. Avidly following of everything ranging from motorsports to Mixed Martial Arts to tennis, he is connected with most of the sports world at all times. His dream of writing about sports started at 16 years of age, writing for a Lakers fans blog, and his passions for sports […]
Nelson Espinal lives and breathes sports. Avidly following of everything ranging from motorsports to Mixed Martial Arts to tennis, he is connected with most of the sports world at all times. His dream of writing about sports started at 16 years of age, writing for a Lakers fans blog, and his passions for sports writing has grown since. He has his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, and a minor in writing literature from the University of California, San Diego.
Nelson Espinal
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NASCAR driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is honoring Hulk Hogan at Watkins Glen on Sunday by sporting a special design on his No. 47 Chevrolet.
The news came from Stenhouse’s team, Hyak Motorsports. The team is going to feature Hogan’s Real American Beer on the car as a sponsor with a red, white, and blue color palette.
The words “Hulkamania Forever” will be read on the decal with a photo of the wrestling icon.
The team will keep it on their car for the remainder of the season.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the #47 Real American Beer Chevrolet, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on July 13, 2025 in Sonoma, California. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the #47 Real American Beer Chevrolet, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on July 13, 2025 in Sonoma, California. Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images
“We’re heading to The Glen this weekend and we’re proud to have Real American Beer on the car in honor of Hulk Hogan. We’ll be giving it everything we’ve got out there,” Stenhouse said in the statement.
The wrestling legend died last month of a heart attack.
Chad Bronstein co-founded the beer company with Hogan and appreciated the gesture from Hyak and Stenhouse.
“Hulk built Hulkamania and Real American Beer with strength, pride and resilience — for the fans, for their communities, for our country,” Bronstein said.
“Real American Beer is here to carry on Hulk’s legacy. We’re grateful to Hyak for helping us honor him and carry his commitment to his fans forward.”
Stenhouse and Real American Beer began their partnership back in June when the No. 47 sported the logo on its decal at Michigan.
For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Trackhouse Withdrawing No. 87 from Cup Race at Watkins Glen
Joseph maintains the role of Managing Editor for TobyChristie.com, while also working as an Editor for Racing America. Additionally, Joseph graduated from the University of Windsor in 2022 with a Business Administration degree, a specialization in Supply Chain Management and Data Analytics, and a minor in Mathematics. Link 1
Joseph maintains the role of Managing Editor for TobyChristie.com, while also working as an Editor for Racing America. Additionally, Joseph graduated from the University of Windsor in 2022 with a Business Administration degree, a specialization in Supply Chain Management and Data Analytics, and a minor in Mathematics.
Van Gisbergen led 38 laps en route to his fourth consecutive road course victory in the NASCAR Cup Series. The New Zealand native crossed the finish line 11.116 seconds ahead of runner-up Christopher Bell. Van Gisbergen ties Chase Elliott for second most consecutive road course victories in the history of the NASCAR Cup Series. The […]
Van Gisbergen led 38 laps en route to his fourth consecutive road course victory in the NASCAR Cup Series. The New Zealand native crossed the finish line 11.116 seconds ahead of runner-up Christopher Bell.
Van Gisbergen ties Chase Elliott for second most consecutive road course victories in the history of the NASCAR Cup Series. The record is held by Jeff Gordon, with six consecutive road course wins between 1997 and 2000.
Bell finished second, followed by Chris Buescher, William Byron and Chase Briscoe. Ryan Blaney, who led 35 laps and started on the pole, finished sixth.
NASCAR points after Watkins Glen International (August 2025)
NASCAR playoff points after the race at Watkins Glen International On Sunday, NASCAR Cup Series drivers went road course racing. Shane van Gisbergen drove to victory lane, claiming his 4th win of the season. View NASCAR points after Watkins Glen International below. Only two races remain in the regular season. Next week the series heads […]
NASCAR playoff points after the race at Watkins Glen International
On Sunday, NASCAR Cup Series drivers went road course racing. Shane van Gisbergen drove to victory lane, claiming his 4th win of the season.
View NASCAR points after Watkins Glen International below.
Only two races remain in the regular season. Next week the series heads to Richmond Raceway and the regular season concludes at Daytona International Speedway the following week.
Watkins Glen Results: August 10, 2025 (NASCAR Cup Series)
NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Standings
Pos | Driver | Wins | Points
1. Denny Hamlin 4 Wins
2. Shane van Gisbergen 4 Wins
3. Christopher Bell 3 Wins
4. Kyle Larson 3 Wins
5. William Byron 2 Wins
6. Chase Elliott 1 Win
7. Ryan Blaney 1 Win
8. Chase Briscoe 1 Win
9. Bubba Wallace 1 Win
10. Joey Logano 1 Win
11. Ross Chastain 1 Win
12. Austin Cindric 1 Win
13. Josh Berry 1 Win
14. Tyler Reddick +117
15. Alex Bowman +60
16. Chris Buescher +34
— Playoff Cutline —
17. Ryan Preece -34
18. Kyle Busch -102
19. Ty Gibbs -125
20. AJ Allmendinger -129
Watkins Glen Results: August 10, 2025 (NASCAR Cup Series)
Credit: WATKINS GLEN, NEW YORK – AUGUST 10: Shane Van Gisbergen, driver of the #88 WeatherTech Chevrolet, kicks a rugby ball in celebration after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on August 10, 2025 in Watkins Glen, New York. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NASCAR playoff projections, points, standings after Watkins Glen race
Jeff Gordon reflects on how to grow NASCAR’s popularity Jeff Gordon discusses the popularity of NASCAR and how the sport can continue to grow. Sports Seriously The NASCAR Cup Series playoffs are nearly upon us, with just two races remaining in the 2025 regular season following Shane van Gisbergen’s win at Watkins Glen International on […]
Jeff Gordon reflects on how to grow NASCAR’s popularity
Jeff Gordon discusses the popularity of NASCAR and how the sport can continue to grow.
Sports Seriously
The NASCAR Cup Series playoffs are nearly upon us, with just two races remaining in the 2025 regular season following Shane van Gisbergen’s win at Watkins Glen International on Sunday, Aug. 10.
Van Gisbergen collected his fourth win of 2025 to tie Denny Hamlin for the most victories this season.
Sixteen drivers will compete in the 10-race playoffs, and only three berths remain available, with 13 drivers already locked into the postseason. Drivers clinch automatic spots in the playoffs with a victory in any regular-season race (not including The Clash and All-Star race) if there are not more than 16 different winners in a season – which there won’t be this year.
If a winless driver takes the checkered flag at either of the next two races – at Richmond Raceway and Daytona International Speedway – he will gain entry to the playoffs. If not, the remaining spots will be allocated to the winless drivers with the most points this season.
Winless drivers currently above the cut line will have to weigh – along with their crew chiefs and owners – whether to prioritize points in the final two regular-season races to maintain their position in the standings or race for the win. For those below the cut line, Richmond and Daytona will be must-win situations.
Here’s a look at the top 20 drivers in the standings following Sunday’s race at Watkins Glen ranked by playoff seeding as of now:
NASCAR driver standings — Projected 2025 playoffs
A look at the top 20 drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series standings, ranked by projected playoff seeding with two races remaining in regular season.
Includes rank, driver, wins (playoff points in parentheses), regular-season points, and points above or below 16-driver cut line, where applicable:
Denny Hamlin….. 4 (24) ….. 731
Shane Van Gisbergen….. 4 (22) ….. 441
Christopher Bell….. 3 (17) ….. 727
Kyle Larson….. 3 (23) ….. 727
William Byron….. 2 (17) ….. 812
Chase Elliott….. 1 (6) ….. 770
Ryan Blaney….. 1 (11) ….. 710
Chase Briscoe….. 1 (7) ….. 674
Bubba Wallace….. 1 (7) ….. 610
Joey Logano….. 1 (7) ….. 583
Ross Chastain….. 1 (6) ….. 571
Austin Cindric….. 1 (8) ….. 502
Josh Berry….. 1 (6) ….. 445
Tyler Reddick….. 0 (1) ….. 701 ….. +117
Alex Bowman….. 0 (0) ….. 644 ….. +60
Chris Buescher….. 0 (-3) ….. 618 ….. +34
Ryan Preece….. 0 (2) ….. 584 ….. -34
Kyle Busch….. 0 (0) ….. 516 ….. -102
Ty Gibbs….. 0 (0) ….. 493 ….. -125
AJ Allmendinger….. 0 (0) ….. 489 ….. -129
Upcoming NASCAR Cup Series races
Here are the final two races in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series regular season. You can stream both races on Fubo, which is offering a free trial to new subscribers.
Watch NASCAR Cup races on Fubo
At Richmond Raceway
Race: Cook Out 400
Date: Saturday, Aug. 16
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Richmond, Virigina
TV channel: USA Network
Streaming: HBO Max and Fubo
At Daytona International Speedway
Race: Coke Zero Sugar 400
Date: Saturday, Aug. 23
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
TV channel: NBC
Streaming: HBO Max and Fubo
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Credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images In spite of challenges from Ryan Blaney, Shane van Gisbergen dominated at Watkins Glen to win his fourth consecutive road course race. This fourth win in a row ties him with second on the list of longest road course win streak, tied with Chase Elliott and two away from […]
In spite of challenges from Ryan Blaney, Shane van Gisbergen dominated at Watkins Glen to win his fourth consecutive road course race. This fourth win in a row ties him with second on the list of longest road course win streak, tied with Chase Elliott and two away from Jeff Gordon.
As it unfolded
Despite a brief challenge from Shane van Gisbergen to his outside, Ryan Blaney led the way from pole.
On Lap 6, a major contender, that of Kyle Larson, went out of the race. This happened due to a brake fluid leak that saw him spin out in Turn 1. He finished last.
The stage remained clean all the way through to green flag pit stops on Lap 17. With most of the drivers on the playoff bubble staying out, Chris Buescher found his way to the front come stage’s end. Alex Bowman and Ryan Preece followed behind
No. 17 – Chris Buescher (RFK Racing)
No. 48 – Alex Bowman (Hendrick Motorsports)
No. 60 – Ryan Preece (RFK Racing)
No. 9 – Chase Elliott (Hendrick Motorsports)
No. 42 – John Hunter Nemechek (Legacy Motor Club)
No. 47 – Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (Hyak Motorsports)
No. 12 – Ryan Blaney (Team Penske)
No. 88 – Shane van Gisbergen (Trackhouse Racing)
No. 19 – Chase Briscoe (Joe Gibbs Racing)
No. 51 – Cody Ware (Rick Ware Racing)
Of the bunch that stayed out, only Alex Bowman and John Hunter Nemechek came down pit road during the stage break.
Preece led the way on Lap 25. Meanwhile, Van Gisbergen passed Blaney for the provisional lead in Turn 1.
The first caution for cause came out on Lap 27. Coming out of the carousel, Josh Berry received a tap from Ty Dillon behind, sending the Wood Brothers driver into the outside armco barrier. He drove away from the accident, but the caution was thrown for debris.
The remaining drivers yet to pit came down pit road during this caution.
Van Gisbergen led the field on Lap 32.
Green flag pit stops began on Lap 35, with five laps remaining in the stage. Notably, Blaney chose to stay out. Blaney grabbed maximum points ahead of William Byron and Christopher Bell.
Whilst battling for the final stage point, John Hunter Nemechek was sent into the tyre barrier in the carousel. He drove away from the accident but fell out of the top 20.
No. 12 – Ryan Blaney (Team Penske)
No. 24 – William Byron (Hendrick Motorsports)
No. 20 – Christopher Bell (Joe Gibbs Racing)
No. 16 – AJ Allmendinger (Kaulig Racing)
No. 6 – Brad Keselowski (RFK Racing)
No. 35 – Riley Herbst (23XI Racing)
No. 48 – Alex Bowman (Hendrick Motorsports)
No. 47 – Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (Hyak Motorsports)
No. 54 – Ty Gibbs (Joe Gibbs Racing)
No. 60 – Ryan Preece (RFK Racing)
Blaney led the field back to the green on Lap 45.
On the same lap, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch were battling for position when Ross Chastain butted his head into the conversation, sending Busch and Hamlin into spins. They drove away mostly undamaged.
Carson Hocevar went for a spin in Turn 1 after a tap from teammate Michael McDowell with 39 laps remaining. He drove away unscathed.
The remaining cars who stayed out during the stage break – Blaney, Byron, Bowman and Bell – came down pit road for their final stop on Lap 55, with 36 laps remaining.
The rest of the field came down with 27 laps remaining. When everything cycled out, Van Gisbergen retained the lead.
John Hunter Nemechek had a moment on the back stretch with nine laps to go, where he got hooked and spun by Todd Gilliland behind. He somehow got away from it without damage.
Shortly thereafter, Brad Keselowski suffered a flat left-rear tyre. He made it back to the pits.
Van Gisbergen kept his composure to dominate the sole visit to Watkins Glen.
No. 88 – Shane van Gisbergen (Trackhouse Racing)
No. 20 – Christopher Bell (Joe Gibbs Racing)
No. 17 – Chris Buescher (RFK Racing)
No. 24 – William Byron (Hendrick Motorsports)
No. 19 – Chase Briscoe (Joe Gibbs Racing)
No. 12 – Ryan Blaney (Team Penske)
No. 99 – Daniel Suarez (Trackhouse Racing)
No. 23 – Bubba Wallace (23XI Racing)
No. 45 – Tyler Reddick (23XI Racing)
No. 1 – Ross Chastain (Trackhouse Racing)
No. 16 – AJ Allmendinger (Kaulig Racing)
No. 43 – Erik Jones (Legacy Motor Club)
No. 60 – Ryan Preece (RFK Racing)
No. 22 – Joey Logano (Team Penske)
No. 3 – Austin Dillon (Richard Childress Racing)
No. 2 – Austin Cindric (Team Penske)
No. 38 – Zane Smith (Front Row Motorsports)
No. 77 – Carson Hocevar (Spire Motorsports)
No. 71 – Michael McDowell (Spire Motorsports)
No. 48 – Alex Bowman (Hendrick Motorsports)
No. 4 – Noah Gragson (Front Row Motorsports)
No. 8 – Kyle Busch (Richard Childress Racing)
No. 47 – Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (Hyak Motorsports)
No. 35 – Riley Herbst (23XI Racing)
No. 11 – Denny Hamlin (Joe Gibbs Racing)
No. 9 – Chase Elliott (Hendrick Motorsports)
No. 7 – Justin Haley (Spire Motorsports)
No. 34 – Todd Gilliland (Front Row Motorsports)
No. 51 – Cody Ware (Rick Ware Racing)
No. 10 – Ty Dillon (Kaulig Racing)
No. 6 – Brad Keselowski (RFK Racing)
No. 42 – John Hunter Nemechek (Legacy Motor Club)
No. 54 – Ty Gibbs (Joe Gibbs Racing)
No. 41 – Cole Custer (Haas Factory Team)
No. 21 – Josh Berry (Wood Brothers Racing)
No. 78 – Katherine Legge (Live Fast Motorsports) +1 lap
No. 66 – Josh Bilicki (Garage 66) +1 lap
No. 44 – JJ Yeley (NY Racing) +1 lap
No. 5 – Kyle Larson (Hendrick Motorsports) +15 laps