Trackhouse Racing confirmed last week that Daniel Suarez will leave the team at the end of the 2025 season, ending a partnership that began in 2021 and reshaped both the driver’s career and the team’s legacy. Ross Chastain, Suarez’s teammate since 2022, spoke out about the departure, describing Suarez as the best teammate he has ever had and praising their close bond during their years together. The young Conor Zilisch is slated to replace Suarez in the No. 99 car, marking a new chapter for Trackhouse Racing.
The Beginning and Rise of Suarez’s Trackhouse Journey
Daniel Suarez faced a difficult period in his career before joining Trackhouse Racing, after a promising start in the Cup series following his Xfinity win. His time with Trackhouse revived his trajectory, highlighted by two victories with the team and his status as a fan favorite. Chevy driver Suarez shared this journey with Ross Chastain, who came on board in 2022, and together they helped elevate Trackhouse’s competitiveness.
Chastain recently reflected on the announcement of Suarez’s exit and expressed his admiration for the Mexican American driver. He emphasized the rare connection they built, both on and off the track, and how that made Suarez the best teammate he’s had. Their camaraderie and mutual understanding contributed to their development as championship contenders at Trackhouse.
Chastain said,
“It’s been incredible, it’s been four years together. My entire time in the track house, I really actually moved into the Concord building. It was him and I. And he’s the most like-minded person outside of the car. The best teammate that I’ve ever had. We were in the same car. I feel like part of my career is when we had something in the groove and Justin hired us.”
—Ross Chastain, via Frontstretch
Shared Experiences and Parallel Career Paths
Chastain also reflected on how similar their careers were before joining Trackhouse Racing. Both drivers endured extended periods with limited success, yet each carried impressive achievements like Suarez’s Xfinity Series championship. Their journeys converged at Trackhouse, creating memorable highlights over the last four years. The two grew together, cementing a strong partnership within the team.
He further added,
“Just like we both have had long, I’d say long-ish careers, but with limited success. And then he’s obviously got an Xfinity Series championship. It’s incredible. But our path to get to track house was, we’re both relatively similar timelines, I’d say.”
—Ross Chastain
The Most Memorable Victory Moments Between Chastain and Suarez
When asked about their most cherished moments together, Chastain pointed to their breakthrough wins in 2022. Both drivers celebrated their first career victories that year—Chastain at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) and Suarez at Sonoma—and their joy was unmistakable. Chastain described how he stopped his car after his win to join in Suarez’s celebration, marking a full-circle moment for both.
He recalled,
“Both of us winning. Seeing his excitement for me at COTA and then me when he won at Sonoma. I parked the car where I had to and then I ran up to the start-finish line where he was celebrating. Yeah, just seeing that come full circle for both of us.”
—Ross Chastain
These victories symbolized the reward for years of perseverance and hard work, deepening the significance of their partnership. With Chastain having already taken a win this season and Suarez securing one at Mexico, anticipation is high for a final year where both drivers could again reach victory lane before Suarez’s departure.
Looking Ahead: What Suarez’s Departure Means for Trackhouse and Chastain
Daniel Suarez’s exit after the 2025 season marks a transition point for Trackhouse Racing as it prepares to bring in young talent Conor Zilisch to pilot the No. 99 car. This change closes a chapter that saw both Suarez and Chastain rise as influential figures within the team, competing fiercely and achieving landmark wins. Suarez’s legacy as a resilient and popular driver will remain, while Chastain continues to build on their shared foundation.
The coming seasons will test Trackhouse’s ability to maintain its momentum amid roster changes, but the strong foundation laid by Suarez and Chastain promises continued success. Fans will watch closely to see if the veteran duo can cap off their final season together with more memorable performances and victories that honor their shared history.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is Ross Chastain called the watermelon Man?
A. His first victory of the season allowed him to smash a watermelon in victory lane. This tradition celebrates his connection to farming. Chastain is often called The Watermelon Man, as his family has a history in watermelon farming.
Q. Why is Ross Chastain the Watermelon man?
A. Staying true to his origins, Chastain celebrated his victory by smashing a watermelon on the track. During the media conference after the race, he confessed to feeling emotional in the final laps because of the significance of winning. This victory secured his first playoff spot in his career.
Q. Why is Ross Chastain the melon man?
A. Known as “The Watermelon Man,” “Melon Man,” and “NASCAR’s Busiest Driver,” Ross celebrates victories by smashing a watermelon on his car. Recently, he’s been doing this quite often.