Trackhouse Racing is undergoing significant changes as it reshapes its team ahead of the 2026 NASCAR season, with Shane Van Gisbergen set to make an impressive Cup debut. The team’s aggressive restructuring reflects owner Justin Marks’s ambition to build a championship-winning organization, moving decisively beyond past mediocrity.
Reasons Behind Trackhouse Racing’s Major Team Restructuring
As the 2026 season approaches, Trackhouse Racing has embarked on a comprehensive overhaul similar to the transformation Spire Motorsports made in recent years. Led by owner Justin Marks, the team has released longtime driver Daniel Suarez, who helped launch Trackhouse’s Cup Series program in 2021 but fell short of the success standards demanded by the organization. Suarez recorded only two wins over five seasons, insufficient to match the team’s rising aspirations.
This move aligns with Trackhouse’s broader strategy to assemble a competitive roster capable of producing consistent victories. Ross Chastain has been a vital contributor, securing multiple wins and capturing a prestigious victory this year at the Coca-Cola 600. Complementing Chastain’s experience, Shane Van Gisbergen is making waves as a rookie with four wins in 2025—setting a new record for rookie victories—and preparing to enter the playoffs for the first time.
Adding to this winning lineup, 19-year-old NASCAR talent Connor Zilisch has emerged as the dominant force in the Xfinity Series, boasting six victories in 2025 and currently leading in points. Given the high caliber of its current drivers, Trackhouse found Suarez increasingly misaligned with the team’s performance standards. His departure is part of a wider adjustment as the organization seeks to refine its competitive edge.
Leadership Changes Mark Trackhouse’s Organizational Shift
Beyond driver changes, Trackhouse Racing has also experienced significant front-office turnover. NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass confirmed the unexpected exit of Tony Lunders, the team’s competition director, alongside Gary Putnam, who managed shop floor operations. Todd Meredith, recently appointed as president of racing operations, is set to take over Lunders’ responsibilities.
Trackhouse Racing confirms that competition director Tony Lunders is no longer with the organization. Todd Meredith, who was hired in July as president of racing operations, will take over that role.
—Bob Pockrass, NASCAR Journalist
No announcement has been made regarding a successor to Putnam’s position, who brought extensive NASCAR experience, notably as car chief for Jamie McMurray’s 2010 Daytona 500-winning team. The reasons for these leadership departures remain undisclosed but are clearly part of Trackhouse’s broader restructuring efforts aimed at sharpening their competitive focus for upcoming seasons.
Implications of Trackhouse’s Transformation for the 2026 Season and Beyond
The full impact of Trackhouse Racing’s ongoing shakeup will unfold over the next year as the team prepares for the 2026 campaign. Key questions remain about how the roster will fill the vacancy left by Suarez, with speculation around either promoting Connor Zilisch to the Cup Series or recruiting new talent from outside the team.
This aggressive restructuring sends a strong signal about Trackhouse’s commitment to excellence and ambition to rise as one of NASCAR’s elite organizations. With a promising driver lineup including Ross Chastain, Shane Van Gisbergen, and Connor Zilisch, supported by fresh management leadership, the team is positioning itself to be a consistent threat on the track.
As the season progresses, Shane Van Gisbergen’s Cup debut and playoff run will be closely watched, potentially cementing his role as a cornerstone for Trackhouse’s future success. These changes emphasize a new chapter for the team, focused on championship contention and sustained performance at NASCAR’s highest level.