Dale Earnhardt Jr. has ignited speculation about Daniel Suarez’s next move in NASCAR after reacting intriguingly on social media. The 33-year-old Mexican driver, who was recently featured in the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series points race in Mexico City, faces uncertainty after Trackhouse Racing announced they will part ways with him for the 2026 season. As the only Mexican competitor currently in the Cup Series, Suarez now confronts an unsettled future.
Trackhouse Racing and Daniel Suarez mutually agreed to end their partnership ahead of next season, paving the way for a new driver. The team will replace Suarez with 18-year-old Connor Zilisch, a promising talent gaining momentum in the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship.
Despite this development, a new glimmer of hope emerged when Dale Earnhardt Jr. reacted to a creative tweet by NASCAR paint designer Scott Pierchorowicz. The tweet envisioned Suarez driving the blue No. 40 Legacy Motor Club car, a team owned by NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson, in the upcoming season.
While Johnson has not yet responded publicly, Earnhardt Jr.’s reaction using a Ryan Gosling GIF sparked excitement and widespread rumors that Suarez might be joining JR Motorsports, a team Earnhardt Jr. co-owns and which competes in the Xfinity Series. Suarez’s recent strong performance in Mexico City further supports the possibility of his landing there next year.
Daniel Suarez Reflects Positively on Team Split and Future Prospects
Daniel Suarez, notable as the only Mexican driver to have won a NASCAR Cup Series race, currently remains without a confirmed team for 2026 following the amicable split with Trackhouse Racing. Despite uncertainty, Suarez has voiced an optimistic outlook regarding the changes ahead.
“This is just a new chapter. That’s all it is, This is not a sad moment. It’s just a change, and it happens. I have known about this for a while. I’m actually a little bit relieved that this is out and people know about it and we can talk about it and we can move forward with future plans and continue to work. I’m excited for whatever comes next.” —Daniel Suarez, via SiriusXM radio
Currently, Suarez sits 29th in the NASCAR Cup Series standings with 299 points, having not yet qualified for the playoffs this season. He remains hopeful for a race victory and a playoff berth in the remaining events.
Potential Impact of Suarez Joining JR Motorsports Under Johnson’s Leadership
If Daniel Suarez joins JR Motorsports next year, it would mark a significant step in continuing Jimmie Johnson’s NASCAR Legacy team. Johnson, a seven-time Cup Series champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer, brings strong leadership and experience to the team, offering Suarez a platform to rebuild and excel.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s involvement as co-owner could also provide valuable support and resources to help Suarez rebound after his departure from Trackhouse Racing. Suarez’s proven talent in both the Cup and Xfinity Series makes him an attractive candidate for JR Motorsports as they seek to strengthen their roster.
The possibility of Suarez driving the iconic blue No. 40 car adds excitement to the NASCAR community, as fans eagerly await official announcements and look forward to seeing how this collaboration will unfold during the 2026 season.