2024 NASCAR New Year's Resolutions: Trackhouse Racing

NASCAR’s wild child Cup Series team, Trackhouse Racing is poised to have the biggest 2024 out of all the organizations in the sport today. The plans they have put forth and the drivers they have assembled are talented, marketable, and ready to win races. So, are they the NASCAR team of the future?

A lot changed for Trackhouse Racing in 2023. They brought Shane van Gisbergen to America and he won in his Cup Series debut at Chicago. Also, SVG is coming back to America to go full-time Xfinity Series racing as part of a development deal with the team.

Of course, Daniel Suárez and Ross Chastain return to their roles in the 99 and 1. Also, let’s not forget Zane Smith is driving for them in the third Spire car this season, too. When it is all said and done, it could be a huge year for Trackhouse.

Trackhouse Racing Resolutions:
– Exert your power, flex your muscles
– Keep pushing the envelope in NASCAR
– Don’t show all of your cards
– Win 4+ races in Cup
– Make the Championship 4

Lots of change, lots of expectations. Trackhouse Racing wants to be the next big thing. While teams like Team Penske return their lineup, Trackhouse is changing things up, adding new drivers. This season, they need to flex on the other teams a bit, but keep things close to the chest.

Between Suárez, Chastain, and SVG’s seven Cup starts in 2024, I want to see 4+ checkered flags. Also, someone (Chastain) needs to get back to the championship.

Trackhouse Racing Driver Resolutions

For each driver under contract with Trackhouse Racing, there are different expectations. Now, this is a fun one because we have two veterans of the sport with an incoming rookie, Smith, and what might be the star of the future in the Cup Series in SVG.

Ross Chastain Resolutions:
– Smash 3+ watermelons
– Race how you race
– Don’t get bullied by bigger teams
– Make the Championship 4

Three wins, a steady season of racing his own style and ignoring outside noise – that will lead to success for Chastain. Also, I don’t care what he or Justin Marks say, the talk from Rick Hendrick last year changed things, at least for a while.

Start the 2024 season how you ended 2023 – with a proverbial middle finger to the rest of the Cup Series field.

Zane Smith Resolutions:
– Learn with every race
– Don’t be scared of the big stage
– Make the most of opportunities
– Win Rookie of the Year

Smith will race that third Spire Motorsports car. However, it appears it will be an effort mostly from Trackhouse. Compete for Rookie of the Year and show improvement throughout the season, and it will be a good one. Of course, it is easier said than done.

Daniel Suárez Resolutions:
– Win a race
– Make the playoffs
– Prove that you belong past this season
– Outperform Zane Smith

Many see four drivers and just two chartered seats at Trackhouse Racing. However, I think Trackhouse is planning on making room for everyone on their roster right now. But perhaps not. So, Suárez needs to win a race, make the postseason, and outperform his rookie teammate, Smith.

Shane van Gisbergen Resolutions:
– Defend Chicago Street Race win
– Be a championship contender in Xfinity Series
– Show quick learning and improvement on ovals
– Learn the ropes of NASCAR
– Put NASCAR on notice

Altogether, there are 40 races on the schedule for Shane van Gisbergen. That’s tough. So, what can he expect to do? To start, he should focus on retaining his Chicago Street Race win. However, being competitive in the Xfinity Series is top priority, really.

When he competes on ovals, he has to show improvement throughout the year in Cup and Xfinity. Finally, let NASCAR know you are serious.