"A Lot Going On in That Kid's Head"—NASCAR Legend Pities Trackhouse Racing Driver Amid On

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MARTINSVILLE, VA – OCTOBER 29: Daniel Suarez (#99 TrackHouse Racing WorldwideExpress Chevrolet) talks with teammate Ross Chastain (#1 TrackHouse Racing MooseFraternity Chevrolet) during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series PlayoffXfinity 500 on October 29, 2022 at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, VA.(Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

As the clock ticks for the NASCAR playoffs, every driver and team is burning the candle at both ends, trying to seal their spots. Even those squads that have some racers already in the safe zone are not resting on their laurels, with others in their ranks still in the fray. With each passing week, the road to the playoffs is becoming more or less like walking on a tightrope.

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Now, with the stakes sky-high, everyone from grizzled veterans to keen-eyed NASCAR insiders and the ever-watchful public is donning their prophet hats, forecasting which racers will sail through and which might fall short. A similar crystal ball gazing session unfolded recently on Motorsports on NBC, where the panel of NASCAR insiders delved deep into the pulse of the race, spotlighting those feeling the heat and the dark horses who might just surprise everyone.

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Trackhouse Racing has emerged as a dark horse in the racing arena, with its drivers making heads turn due to their stellar performances. Ross Chastain, as a case in point, has been the belle of the ball since 2022. His prowess on the tracks hasn’t just catapulted him to fame but has also reeled in notable sponsorships, including partnerships with Busch Light and Jockey, the latter of which has renewed its ties with him until 2025. His victory in Nashville in 2023 has further feathered his cap, sealing his spot in the playoffs.

However, every silver lining has a cloud, and in this scenario, it’s Daniel Suarez bearing the brunt. Despite roaring into 2023 with a commendable seventh place at the Daytona 500, the road since then has been rocky for him.

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The conundrum was recently tossed around by Dustin Long, Parker Kligerman, and Kyle Petty. Parker Kligerman, the eyes, and ears at the pit for NASCAR on NBC, opined that Suarez seems to be caught between a rock and a hard place. Echoing this sentiment, Kyle Petty remarked, “I don’t know if it’s the pressure of trying to make the chase or trying to keep his ride, and I don’t know where it is right now as far as that goes, but there’s a lot going on in that kid’s head, and it’s showing up on the racetrack in a negative way. I don’t see that one, so it’s going to be tough. I just think it stays status quo as we run out these last four races.”

It’s undeniable that Suarez possesses the mettle of an ace NASCAR driver. Yet, to secure his berth in the playoffs, he needs to pull something exceptional out of the bag. However, it is encouraging to see that Suarez remains optimistic.

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Last season, Suarez and his entourage clinched a spot in the 2022 NASCAR Cup playoffs, courtesy of their crowning moment at the Toyota Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway. However, this season, victory has eluded him, leaving him in a race against time to rack up 34 points to secure his berth amidst a packed field of 16 racers.

With the clock ticking and just four races to go, the odds might seem stacked against him. But Suarez, ever the eternal optimist, isn’t throwing in the towel just yet. As reported by motorsport.com, he shared, “There are a million scenarios that can happen. I try to focus only on what I can control. I don’t know that we have to win, but we will see. We have to take it one race at a time.”

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This never-say-die spirit might just be the wind beneath Suarez’s wings in the forthcoming races. However, with only four golden tickets left for the top-16 carnival, what’s your bet? Will the Trackhouse Racing maestro seal the deal? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

NASCAR Insider Claims Ross Chastain’s Single Win Has Hindered His Teammate’sPlayoff Qualification

Neha Dwivedi

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Edited By: Nischal Kandpal

“It’s showing up on the racetrack in a negative way”: NASCAR legend on Trackhouse Racing driver there’s a lot going on in that kid’s head, and it’s showing up on the racetrack in a negative way.Undeterred by recent setbacks, Daniel Suarez remains buoyant about clinching a spot in the playoffs