In 2023, the Trackhouse Racing team endured a mixed bag of a campaign. Ross Chastain practically carried the team single-handedly on his back. Meanwhile, teammate Daniel Suarez‘s runs were quite underwhelming. This was especially considering his breakout season in 2022, where he snatched a maiden Cup win. However, things might just start looking up for the #99 driver, as he has a new weapon in his arsenal for the 2024 season.

Suarez is teaming up with former Kaulig Racing crew chief Matt Swiderski. Ahead of the season, he highlighted his team’s objectives for 2024.

Talking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Swiderski said, “We need to make the Playoffs, and we need to compete for wins and win races. At this level, with what we’re trying to build. That’s the expectation, and that’s what we have to get to. Our first goal, first and foremost, is to get back into the Playoffs.”

“Once we’re in there, we can revise our goals. You never know how it will turn out. There’s always some amount of luck in all these races. But by being prepared and running up front consistently, it allows a lot to fall into our favor. That’s what we need to focus on this year.”

To put it in perspective, the Mexican driver did not have a terrible season. However, if you had to compare him with his teammate Ross Chastain, he performed worse. He ended the campaign with three Top 5 finishes and ten Top 10 finishes in 2023. This put him down in a disappointing 19th place. In contrast, teammate Ross Chastain is 10 positions higher, with two wins under his belt, as well as ten Top 5 and fourteen Top 10 finishes.

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In other words, if things don’t get better, his seat could be in danger. Given that the Trackhouse Racing team has an alliance with Kaulig Racing, their drivers could be poised to strike. Not to mention, there is also the looming threat of Shane van Gisbergen, who is far closer to home.

Why Shane van Gisbergen is a serious option for Trackhouse Racing?

When he made his debut last year at the Chicago street course, the Kiwi driver left a lasting impression. In fact, he won in his debut race and even finished in the Top 10 in his second-ever race. Now, he will be back in 2024 for a full-time season in the Xfinity Series. And let’s just say his team owner is more than thrilled.

“We know Shane will be incredibly competitive at the road course events in both the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity series, but we wanted to get him as much experience on NASCAR ovals as possible, so I am really excited about his 2024 schedule,” said Trackhouse Racing boss Justin Marks.

With all this, it seems if Suarez slips up and underperforms, Trackhouse Racing will not hesitate to replace him with the New Zealander. Hence, 2024 will be a massive acid test for the #99 driver.

READ MORE: Daniel Suarez on the Hot Seat in 2024 as Trackhouse Racing Concerned With Declining Performance