Shane Van Gisbergen’s NASCAR Promotion in Jeopardy as Trackhouse Shuts Down Rumors on Daniel Suarez’s Cup Series Exit

Coming into the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, there was an air of uncertainty regarding Daniel Suarez’s future at Trackhouse Racing. The word on the street was that road course phenom, Shane van Gisbergen, was in the ranks to replace the Mexican-American driver by the end of 2024.

However, a thrilling win at Atlanta and his dominance on the international stage have tipped the scales in Suarez’s favor. Against all the outside noise and rumors, Trackhouse Racing announced that Daniel Suarez will continue to lead the No. 99 team next year after signing an extension.

Did sponsorship money come to Suarez’s rescue?

This was a rather interesting move by Justin Marks and Co., given how they have a rich group of talented drivers hungry for a Cup opportunity. Zane Smith, Shane van Gisbergen, and Connor Zilisch are all signed to Trackhouse Racing. Apart from a solo victory at Atlanta, the 32-year-old hasn’t really overturned his fortunes in comparison to last year.

And it looks like Freeway Insurance might have played a role in helping Suarez retain his seat for next year. The $1.3 billion-worth insurance company is confirmed as the primary sponsor for the #99 team. “Daniel has been vital to this team and its culture since the first day. Freeway joined that same year, and we have all continued to grow together and will continue into 2025.” Team owner Justin Marks said this in a press release.

This announcement more or less put SVG’s hopes of promotion to the Cup Series in jeopardy. The team only has two charters, with Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez now locked in for the 2025 season in those seats. So does this mean the team will stick to a two-car operation despite being linked to adding a third charter?

Trackhouse Racing was one of the leading contenders to bag one of the four SHR charters that were made available on the market. Gene Haas retained a charter for himself, whereas FRM is believed to have grabbed one for themselves. Perhaps the investment didn’t make sense to higher-ups at TRH. And who would blame them given the deadlock situation NASCAR and team owners find themselves in currently?

But all hopes are not lost for the Kiwi Speedster, as he still has potential avenues to make the Cup Series dream come true in 2025.

Kaulig Racing or Spire Motorsports could help kickstart SVG’s Cup Series journey

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Trackhouse Racing has good relations with fellow Chevrolet teams like Kaulig and Spire. SVG is currently running his rookie Xfinity Series season in a Kaulig Racing car, as the two teams have collaborated. The Kiwi star has featured in the No. 16 this season, but it could turn into a full-time opportunity if the two teams are willing to broker a deal for next season.

Matt Kaulig has closely followed SVG’s Xfinity run, and having him in one of the racecars almost assures a win on road courses. Truth be told, he does look like a better bet than Daniel Hemric in No. 31, who hasn’t been able to lead the charge for the team as he was expected. Even if this doesn’t come to fruition, a potential link-up with Spire Motorsports cannot be ruled out.

Currently, Zane Smith is on loan at Spire, driving the No. 71 Chevy, and he is expected to return to Trackhouse Racing at the end of the year. Michael McDowell is going to replace the young driver after jumping ships from FRM to Spire next year. However, Corey LaJoie’s departure has completely changed the dynamics, and it could aid SVG’s arrival in the Cup Series.

The silly season drama has not disappointed the fans so far, and Daniel Suarez’s contract extension could lead to more shakeups in the teams.