Daniel Suarez has already bounced back from a disappointing 2023 season by clinching a win at Atlanta. The race in Atlanta concluded with an incredibly close finish, as Suarez secured the victory by a mere 0.003 seconds. The 32-year-old driver joined Trackhouse in 2021 and has been an integral part of the team ever since, winning two races together, including the recent one in Atlanta. However, his position within the team seemed uncertain heading into the 2024 season, as Trackhouse signed three development drivers who could potentially replace him in the No:99 Chevy.
Addressing the rumors surrounding Suarez’s future, a co-owner of Trackhouse Racing made it clear that replacing Suarez was never a consideration for the team. Despite his lackluster performance in 2023, the co-owner emphasized that he couldn’t imagine a scenario where Suarez wouldn’t be a driver for the team. However, veteran driver from JGR, Denny Hamlin, remains skeptical of these claims and has shared his own perspective on the situation.
Hamlin pointed out that many in the racing community didn’t view Suarez as a serious contender coming into the season. He also noted that if Suarez hadn’t performed well in the recent race in Georgia, opinions might have been different. Nevertheless, the race in Atlanta was a success for the sport as a whole, with fans treated to an action-packed event featuring around 10 cautions and a thrilling photo finish.
Denny Hamlin, a highly respected driver among NASCAR fans, currently races for Joe Gibbs Racing. Unfortunately, Hamlin experienced a series of crashes during different stages of the race in Atlanta. In the early stages, he collided with the No.8 racecar, causing him to fall back in the pack. He also had a minor contact with the No.22 Penske Ford, further hindering his position among the leaders. Finally, just 21 laps before the checkered flag, Hamlin had a collision with another driver, resulting in significant damage for both cars and effectively eliminating Hamlin from contention for the win.
Nevertheless, Hamlin is determined to make a comeback at the upcoming race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. As a preseason favorite for the championship, he aims to secure a victory this weekend in order to revive his chances at the title and secure a spot in the playoffs.