Daniel Suarez Rides High on Confidence While Threat of Underachieving Looms Over His Head

Trackhouse Racing’s Daniel Suárez rides a wave of optimism into the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, determined to break into the playoffs again, silencing all doubters. The Mexican driver finished a disappointing 19th in 2023. But in the build-up to the 66th edition of the Daytona 500, the #99 driver exudes confidence, fueled by an iconic new crew chief, a renewed sense of purpose, and a determination to finally reach his full potential.

Gone is Travis Mack, his crew chief of three seasons. Stepping in is Matt “Squid” Swiderski, a veteran engineer with a reputation for meticulous preparation and, most importantly, wins. Suárez sees this change as a catalyst, acknowledging Swiderski’s analytical approach and ability to make him a “better driver.” This partnership is just one piece of a larger puzzle, with Trackhouse making several personnel shifts in a bid to revitalize performances in 2024.

Swiderski, a former race engineer with Richard Childress Racing, brings a different approach. Often dubbed a “rocket scientist,” the new #99 crew chief, instills confidence with his futuristic methods and vast experience.

Daniel Suarez has a new lease on life

​In a recent dialogue on SiriusXM’s NASCAR radio, the 32-year-old talked about the recent changes at hand with the Swiderski-Mack swap while embracing a fresh new mentality.

He said, “Now I have got to work with the “Squid,” Matt! [Swiderski]… That’s his nickname. He’s a very smart guy, you know! I am not saying that Travis wasn’t smart, but it’s a different kind of smart. Travis was very, very good to be with the people, too hands-on with a car, made sure all the details were right. Well, ‘squid,’ Matt, is different. He’s more of a very, very smart prepared guy.”

Suárez elaborated further, referring to the instant impact Swiderski made.“So, honestly, I have been super excited because we haven’t been in the racetrack much yet and I feel like he’s already making me a better driver, and many people in the team feel the same way. Like he’s already seen many things that we’re not looking at before. So I am excited. Very, very excited!”

With determination, Suárez and his team have dedicated countless hours to fine-tuning their performance during the offseason. The Monterrey native is optimistic about their preparation and anticipates a breakthrough year for the #99 squad. “The month of January was a very busy month, and I can’t wait how that is going to reflect on the racetrack,” Suárez remarked, exuding nothing but confidence. “But I can tell you that this is going to be the best year of the #99 yet and I can’t wait to show that to people.”

Read More: Daniel Suarez Offers Brutally Honest Verdict on His “Average” NASCAR Cup Series Career

From Daytona DNFs to Xfinity Dreams at United Rentals 300!

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As Suárez prepares to tackle Daytona once again, the stakes are higher than ever. With a track record marked by DNFs and missed opportunities, Suarez is determined to rewrite his narrative and carve a path to victory, but this time in the Xfinity Series opener. The support of SS-GreenLight Racing, with Kaulig Racing, will see him run in the #14 Camaro at the United Rentals 300.

He won the NASCAR Mexico Series race at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum recently but failed to qualify for the Cup Series Clash main event. While Suárez possesses undeniable talent, the road to success in the Cup Series is paved with more than just skill. The right tools, the right team, and the unwavering will to overcome – these are the ingredients Suárez needs to mix in his 2024 recipe for success.

Watch This Story: Daniel Suarez’s Unforgettable Victory In NASCAR Mexico Series

He may have taken the first steps, but only time will tell if he can turn potential into playoff contention and finally deliver the championship Trackhouse so desperately craves. More importantly, will this be the year he becomes the first Mexican Champion and finally silence the doubters?