“We are going to show the world NASCAR is not only a sport but a culture,” said Trackhouse Racing co-owner Pitbull, after acquiring an ownership stake in the team. However, merely three years later, amid a (rather volatile) silly season, it seems he might have made a quiet exit.

Recently, billionaire Marc Lasry’s Avenue Sports Fund acquired a “significant minority stake” in Trackhouse Entertainment Group, the team’s parent company. According to the NASCAR team, the investment from the private equity fund—that invests in sports properties, teams, and leagues—will support their endeavors in NASCAR, MotoGP, and beyond.

“With Trackhouse in the Avenue portfolio, the company will be able to draw on the experience and expertise of a leading global sports fund to scale into one of the most powerful motorsports companies in the world with best-in-class on-track competitiveness, partner services, and racing event experiential assets,” the NASCAR team said in a press release.

However, how does the equity shake-up affect Pitbull’s stake? According to Bloomberg, the parties involved reportedly refused to disclose investment details, only revealing it’s “sizable”.

However, adding fuel to the fire, as per some eagle-eyed fans on Reddit, also noticed Justin Marks’ X handle, which previously listed him as co-owner, suddenly changed to owner. However, the Trackhouse Racing team has not confirmed anything yet. But what could have caused the rift? Does it have something to do with the team’s dismal performances?

In the current season, their #99 driver, Daniel Suarez, apart from one win at Atlanta, has reached the Top-5 on just two occasions, and the Top-10 on four. On the other hand, his teammate, #1 driver Ross Chastain, yet to visit Victory Lane, has just seven Top-10s and two Top-5s this year. Notably, the #1 driver won two races last year, including the Championship 4 race at Phoenix Raceway.

On a separate note, Daniel Suarez’s position within the organization is also up for debate, as the driver is yet to sign a contract extension.

Another silly season surprise?

In his eight years in the NASCAR Cup Series, Mexico-born driver, Daniel Suarez, has worked with four teams, and is in his fourth year at Trackhouse Racing. Last year in February, the driver signed a multi-year deal, set to expire this year, leaving him as a potential free agent for the next season.

Earlier in February this year, he ignored extension talks, saying, “I think it’s too early for that, and honestly, for me, I don’t really like to talk about that stuff. I let my people talk about it, and they deal with that. My focus is on winning races and making my team competitive. That’s all I care about.”

However, last month, he appeared that Justin Marks’ team will pull through. In a conversation with FOX Sports, he said, “Yeah. I definitely think Trackhouse is the place to be. Honestly, today, I wouldn’t trade Trackhouse for any other team. It doesn’t matter if it’s Gibbs, Hendrick, or whatever, I wouldn’t trade it.” 

There are several unknowns that will only be cleared once the team gives out an official statement. Till then what do you think are Ross Chastain’s playoff chances? He’s still going winless. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.