Can Daniel Suarez save his NASCAR career with Spire Motorsports in 2026?

Daniel Suarez is at an interesting place in his NASCAR Cup Series career. 

After it was announced that he wouldn't return to Trackhouse Racing in 2026, Suarez was signed by Spire Motorsports for 2026 in what may as well be a prove-it deal for the 33-year-old from Monterrey, Mexico. 

Suarez, who turns 34 on Jan. 7, has driven for four organizations in nine seasons; Spire will make it five in 10. 

The 2016 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series champion will be under a great deal of pressure in 2026. He hasn't won in nearly two calendar years and is yet to make the NASCAR playoffs in back-to-back seasons. He's won only twice in 323 starts. 

Suarez has bounced back from similar adversity before, but not since 2020 has his career seemingly hung in the balance like this. Justin Marks and Trackhouse Racing won't be coming through the door to save Suarez if he can't perform in 2026. 

Why Daniel Suarez could bounce back in 2026

There is reason to believe that Suarez could bounce back, however. 

Spire is a team on the rise, having nearly won several races in 2025 with Carson Hocevar. Suarez will be teammates with Hocevar and veteran driver Michael McDowell — a formidable, three-car team that boasts drivers in three separate stages of their careers. 

Suarez has also shown out with his back up against the wall before. His 2024 win at Atlanta and subsequent playoff berth helped earn him a one-year contract extension with Trackhouse for 2025. 

He'll need a similar effort — and maybe more — if he wants to stay at Spire and keep his Cup Series career alive.