In the ever-shifting landscape of NASCAR’s driver market, Jimmie Johnson has weighed in on one of the sport’s latest talking points: the future of Daniel Suárez following his impending split from Trackhouse Racing. The seven-time Cup Series champion and co-owner of Legacy Motor Club addressed mounting speculation that Suárez could land in one of Legacy’s seats for the 2025 season, clarifying both the team’s outlook and what fans should expect in the coming weeks.
Daniel Suárez, who made history as the first Mexican driver to win a NASCAR national series championship and has been with Trackhouse since its inception, confirmed reports this month that he and the Justin Marks–led outfit will part ways at the end of the current campaign. The news came as a surprise to many, given Suárez’s role in helping establish Trackhouse as a competitive force. Naturally, attention turned to where the 32-year-old could end up next — and whether Legacy Motor Club, which continues to shape its roster amid its transition to Toyota, might be an option.
Speaking ahead of the weekend’s race, Johnson addressed the swirling rumors head-on. “Daniel’s a great driver, there’s no question about that,” Johnson said. “I have a lot of respect for what he’s done in the sport, what he represents, and the fanbase he brings. Any organization would be lucky to have someone like him.”
However, the NASCAR icon stopped short of confirming any concrete interest from Legacy Motor Club. “Right now, our focus is on continuing to build the foundation we started last year,” Johnson explained. “We’ve made big changes with the switch to Toyota, we’re investing heavily in our people, our infrastructure, and our current driver lineup. We’re always looking at ways to make the team stronger, but I can’t say there’s anything definitive with Daniel at this time.”
Legacy Motor Club has undergone significant evolution since Johnson joined the ownership group alongside Maury Gallagher and Richard Petty. The team’s switch from Chevrolet to Toyota for the 2024 season was seen as a major move to enhance competitiveness, and they have hinted at further driver development as part of that strategy. With Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek currently in the fold, questions have lingered about whether both seats are fully secure for 2025 — or if a veteran presence like Suárez could slot in alongside them.
Industry insiders suggest Suárez brings more than just driving talent to the table. His connections with sponsors and his strong fanbase in Mexico and across Latin America make him an attractive prospect for any team looking to expand its commercial reach. Johnson acknowledged that broader appeal, noting, “We always consider the full package — talent, personality, the sponsor relationships — all of that matters when you’re trying to build a winning program and grow the sport.”
While Johnson’s comments neither confirm nor deny negotiations with Suárez, they do hint that Legacy is keeping its options open in what could be one of the more intriguing driver moves of the upcoming silly season. For now, Suárez’s focus remains on finishing strong with Trackhouse, while Legacy aims to improve on a mixed 2024 campaign that has seen flashes of speed but inconsistent results.
Asked about a timeline for any potential moves, Johnson said, “We’ll continue to evaluate things as the season goes on. There’s no rush — we want to make sure any decision we make puts us in the best position to compete at the highest level.”
For Suárez, the coming weeks may be crucial. His next destination could hinge on how he performs to close out the year — and whether Legacy, or another team, decides he’s the missing piece to help elevate their program.
One thing is certain: with Johnson at the helm, Legacy Motor Club isn’t shying away from tough decisions as it tries to regain relevance in the Cup Series. Whether Daniel Suárez fits into that vision remains to be seen — but his name will surely stay near the top of the rumor mill until the final pieces of NASCAR’s 2025 puzz
le fall into place.
