So far, it’s not looking good for Daniel Suarez. The Trackhouse Racing star has a point to prove this year, as he’s fighting for his future at NASCAR’s highest level. Having signed a one-year contract extension, the Mexican is eager to build on his 12th place in the drivers’ standings from 2024. However, the first three races haven’t shown much promise, as he has finished outside the top 30 in Atlanta and Circuit of The Americas for Justin Marks’ team.

To make matters worse, Suarez collided with Connor Zilisch at the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, resulting in two early retirements as both drivers finished 36th and 37th, respectively. The 33-year-old’s future at Trackhouse Racing appears to be hanging by a thread, going by his performances in the Cup Series so far.

Is Daniel Suarez’s Trackhouse ride in jeopardy?

The excitement was at an all-time high. Why would it not be? After all, Connor Zilisch was making his Cup Series debut at the Circuit of the Americas. Widely regarded as one of the brightest talents the NASCAR world has seen in years, fans were excited to see the 18-year-old in action at the newly configured road course. Hailing from North Carolina, the youngster had already secured a win at COTA in the Xfinity Series, and many expected a similar performance from the racer at the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix as well.

However, it seems like a back-to-back win was not meant to be. Daniel Suarez’s wreck on lap 50 forced an early retirement for both drivers. Taking accountability for his actions in an interview with FOX, the Mexican said, “I just hit the curb. I hit the curb, it slammed the ground and spun me out. When you have low air pressure, it’s easy to do. I wish I could say it’s a big mistake, but I just went about a tire width too far to the left and took us out.”

According to The Athletic’s Jeff Gluck, Suarez said, “Sorry bud” to Zilisch after the race. The wreck occurred during the final stage when the No. 99 Chevy spun out after hitting the curb on Turn 19, losing control. The smoke created by the tires affected visibility for the 18-year-old Cup Series rookie, who attempted to avoid being caught in the crossfire. Unfortunately for the youngster, he chose to go on the right, which resulted in the No. 87 Chevy hitting the right front of Suarez’s car, sending them both behind the wall.

It wasn’t the outcome Daniel Suarez or Trackhouse Racing was hoping for. Seeing two of their drivers being forced to retire early is a major blow for Justin Marks’ team, who are hoping to become regular playoff contenders in the Cup Series. The Mexican racer’s future at NASCAR’s highest level is uncertain, especially with Connor Zilisch rising through the ranks. It’s not beyond the realm of possibility that the North Carolina native replaces his teammate in 2026, going by his performances for JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series.

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Zilisch weighs in on the Suarez incident at COTA

If you’re good enough, you’re old enough. That’s the mantra Trackhouse Racing seems to be following after allowing Connor Zilisch to compete at the highest level at the Circuit of The Americas. Hailed as a ‘generational talent, ’ the 18-year-old’s debut couldn’t have gotten off to a worse note as the No. 87 Chevy made contact in the very first lap, forcing him to fall behind. However, despite the early setback, the youngster showed his racing prowess at the road course by breaking into the top 15 by the end of Stage 2, despite incurring significant damage to his vehicle.

However, that’s where it all went wrong. A collision with teammate Daniel Suarez brought an end to what was otherwise an exciting debut for the young racer. Sharing his thoughts on the incident, Zilisch said, “All I saw was a cloud of smoke, and by the time I saw him (Suarez), it was way too late to do anything. I saw him spinning off to the left, and I thought he was going to keep going in that direction or stay there. I guess he flipped back right, and he started coming towards me. Really unfortunate way to end my Cup Series debut. We were one of the top-five fastest cars in the second stage there.”

Connor Zilisch, who won on his Xfinity Series debut at Watkins Glen, was hoping to repeat a similar feat this time around. However, it wasn’t meant to be, despite the 18-year-old’s vehicle being on fire. Literally. While the youngster was diplomatic enough to not directly blame his teammate for the incident, the outcome was a heartbreaking one, especially considering the raw speed his car had. However, Trackhouse Racing absolved him of any blame, telling him on the team radio, “You did amazing today, buddy. You did nothing wrong.” Competing against NASCAR’s heavyweights will give the racer invaluable experience, and he will look to pick himself up, dust himself off, and shift his attention to the upcoming race in Phoenix next week.