NASCAR insider reveals outlook for Daniel Suárez at Trackhouse Racing amid Connor Zilisch rise

Daniel Suárez is in a tough spot. His contract with Trackhouse Racing expires after the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season and the team has one of the sport’s most promising prospects waiting in the wings.

His name is Connor Zilisch, the 18-year-old sensation currently smashing high expectations in the Xfinity Series. Zilisch signed a multi-year developmental with Trackhouse in January 2024, the idea being he would one day join the Cup ranks. Could it happen as soon as next season? Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic addressed the possibility in his Thursday mailbag.

“Trackhouse’s Cup Series driver lineup next year hinges on whether the team feels 18-year-old wonderkid Connor Zilisch is ready for a promotion after just one year in the Xfinity Series. So far, he’s lived up to the hype that accompanied his arrival with one win and ranking third in laps led,” Bianchi wrote.

Connor Zilisch putting the pressure on Daniel Suárez?

Zilisch has been impressive. Driving the No. 88 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports, Zilisch took the checkered flag at COTA and sits fifth in the points standings through nine races. But if Trackhouse elevates Zilisch to Cup, that means either Suárez or rookie Shane van Gisbergen will have to go. The latter is a threat to win on any road course but is experiencing growing pains on ovals.

Suárez has been a playoff driver as recent as last season and has nearly a decade of experience in Cup. But his contract situation makes it difficult to project his long-term future at Trackhouse, as does his current performance. Suárez has just one top 10 this season, back in 27th in the points standings. Speed has been an issue, with Suárez qualifying 23rd or worse eight times.

Trackhouse has yet to field winnable cars for Suárez, van Gisbergen and Ross Chastain, something that played a role in Suárez opting for a one-year extension. The performance from Trackhouse as a whole simply isn’t there. Suárez might want to try something new. But if Zilisch stays in Xfinity for a second year, the conversation will be moot, Bianchi said.

“Of course, all this could be moot if Zilisch stays in Xfinity for a second year,” Bianchi wrote. “In this instance, the runway is clear for Trackhouse to bring back both Suárez and van Gisbergen, kicking any decision a year down the road.”