Trackhouse Racing: A Journey of Disruption in Motorsport
Trackhouse Racing emerged onto the NASCAR scene in 2021, starting as a modest single-car operation in the NASCAR Cup Series. However, in a move that sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, they acquired Chip Ganassi Racing entirely, capturing the attention of fans and competitors alike. This acquisition marked the beginning of a transformative journey for Trackhouse, allowing them to expand their operations significantly.
Expanding Horizons: From NASCAR to MotoGP
Since its inception, Trackhouse Racing has grown to field three full-time entries in the NASCAR Cup Series. They have also made headlines by signing some of the most promising talents in the world of stock car racing. In an exciting development, they announced the formation of a MotoGP team, collaborating with Aprilia to prepare for the 2024 season. This ambitious venture showcases their commitment to diversifying their racing portfolio. Additionally, Trackhouse made its debut at the prestigious Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona this year, entering a GTD Pro vehicle and finishing ninth in class.
The latest milestone for Trackhouse came during the MotoGP Australian Grand Prix, where they celebrated a remarkable victory with Raul Fernandez. This achievement marked their first podium in MotoGP, an impressive feat considering the team had not previously finished in the top three. The win highlighted Trackhouse’s ability to break into new racing disciplines and excel, solidifying their reputation as a disruptive force in the motorsport world.
Project 91: A Unique Initiative
One of Trackhouse’s innovative concepts is Project 91, an idea birthed by the team’s founder, Justin Marks. The goal of Project 91 is to introduce international racing stars to NASCAR through one-off entries. This strategy not only aims to broaden NASCAR’s audience but also provides opportunities for drivers who might not typically compete in the series.
Over the past few years, Project 91 has featured high-profile drivers like Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 Formula 1 World Champion, and Helio Castroneves, a four-time Indianapolis 500 winner. However, the standout moment came when Shane van Gisbergen, a three-time Supercars champion, made his debut in NASCAR. Van Gisbergen created history by winning his first race at the Chicago Street Course in 2023, becoming the first driver in over six decades to secure victory in a NASCAR Cup race on his first attempt.
Following his debut, van Gisbergen decided to pursue stock car racing full-time, leaving behind his successful Supercars career. He quickly adapted to the demands of oval racing, achieving remarkable success on road courses as well. By 2025, he had claimed victory in five consecutive road and street courses, earning the title of the winningest rookie in Cup Series history.
Ross Chastain: A Master of Dramatic Moments
Trackhouse Racing’s flagbearer, Ross Chastain, has become known for his thrilling and sometimes controversial moments on the track. His most unforgettable stunt occurred at the end of the 2022 season. Chastain, who had not yet won a race, was racing for his spot in the playoffs when he found himself on the verge of elimination.
As the race approached its climax, Chastain faced the daunting challenge of needing to pass five cars to secure his position in the Championship 4. Instead of opting for a conventional approach, he executed a daring maneuver that left fans and commentators in awe. As the field slowed down entering a tight turn, Chastain accelerated and scraped his car against the wall, using it to propel himself past the competition. This audacious move not only allowed him to advance to the playoffs but also became a viral sensation, amassing over 200 million views across social media platforms.
Chastain’s incredible feat propelled Trackhouse Racing to a second-place finish in the championship, falling just 356 feet short of the title. His ability to capture the attention of the media and fans alike has made him a central figure in the story of Trackhouse Racing.
Historic Photo Finish: Daniel Suarez’s Triumph
Daniel Suarez, the first Mexican-born driver to win in the NASCAR Cup Series, played a pivotal role in Trackhouse’s journey. In 2024, Suarez participated in a historic three-wide photo finish that seemed straight out of a movie. Racing alongside Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch, Suarez clinched victory in a thrilling conclusion that showcased the intense competition in NASCAR.
Suarez’s win was notable not only because he became the first foreign-born driver to win an oval race since Earl Ross in 1974, but it also marked the closest three-way finish in NASCAR history. He crossed the finish line just 0.003 seconds ahead of Blaney and 0.007 seconds in front of Busch, creating a moment that would be remembered in the annals of the sport.
Disruption in the Championship Race
In modern NASCAR, the championship race typically culminates with four finalists competing for the title in a winner-takes-all showdown. However, Trackhouse Racing challenged the norms during the 2023 season. Although Chastain was eliminated from the playoffs, he inserted himself into the championship battle, much to the chagrin of the eventual champion, Ryan Blaney.
During the final laps, Chastain managed to outpace fellow Chevrolet driver Kyle Larson, showcasing his tenacity and skill. The broadcast team found themselves in a unique position, torn between covering the title contenders and the driver who was winning the race. This unconventional approach highlighted Trackhouse Racing’s ability to disrupt traditional racing narratives.
Overcoming Adversity: Coca-Cola 600 Triumph
Chastain’s knack for surprises was on full display during the 2025 Coca-Cola 600, the longest race in NASCAR at 600 miles. During practice, Chastain experienced a tire failure that resulted in a crash, forcing the team to prepare a backup car overnight. Starting from the back of the pack, Chastain’s journey to the front was nothing short of remarkable.
By the end of the first stage, he had climbed to 20th place, and by the second stage, he reached the top ten. As the race progressed, he continued to gain momentum and ultimately seized the lead with less than ten miles remaining. Chastain’s victory, leading only eight of the 400 laps, marked a significant milestone for Trackhouse Racing, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Raul Fernandez’s MotoGP Victory
The latest chapter in Trackhouse’s history unfolded in the MotoGP series, where Raul Fernandez achieved an unexpected victory at the Australian Grand Prix. Having never finished higher than fifth in his previous 75 Grand Prix appearances, Fernandez entered the race with modest expectations. Starting from fourth position, he quickly maneuvered to second place and capitalized on an opponent’s penalty to take the lead.
Despite concerns about tire wear, Fernandez maintained a strong pace and ultimately crossed the finish line 1.4 seconds ahead of Fabio di Giannantonio. This victory represented not only a personal achievement for Fernandez but also a significant milestone for Trackhouse Racing, as it marked their first win in the MotoGP arena.
A Diverse and Talented Roster
Trackhouse Racing’s success can be attributed to its diverse and talented roster of drivers. With Chastain representing the United States, van Gisbergen hailing from New Zealand, Suarez from Mexico, and Fernandez from Spain, the team has embraced a global perspective in their racing endeavors. This diversity not only enriches their competitive edge but also resonates with a wide audience, further expanding their fan base.
Conclusion
Trackhouse Racing has established itself as a formidable force in motorsport, breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be a competitive racing team. From their unexpected rise in NASCAR to their ventures into MotoGP, the team continues to capture the imagination of fans around the world. With a commitment to innovation and a willingness to take risks, Trackhouse Racing’s journey is far from over, and their future promises even more exciting moments in the world of motorsport.
