Trackhouse Racing has undeniably become the ultimate disruptor in the world of motorsports, leaving fans and competitors alike in awe with their bold moves and unprecedented achievements. From a humble single-car NASCAR team to conquering the pinnacle of two-wheeled racing, their journey is nothing short of extraordinary. But here's where it gets even more fascinating: their rise hasn't been without controversy or jaw-dropping moments that defy all expectations.
It all began in 2021 when Trackhouse quietly entered the NASCAR Cup Series as an unassuming single-car team. However, their acquisition of Chip Ganassi Racing sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community, instantly catapulting them into the spotlight. And they haven’t looked back since. Today, Trackhouse fields three full-time entries in the Cup Series, has signed the hottest rising star in stock car racing, and even ventured into MotoGP with Aprilia’s support. Their 2024 season has been nothing short of remarkable, highlighted by a ninth-place finish in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona’s GTD Pro class.
But this is the part most people miss: This weekend, Trackhouse achieved the unthinkable by winning the MotoGP Australian Grand Prix with Raul Fernandez. What makes this victory even more astonishing? The team had never even secured a podium finish before Sunday’s triumph. This win solidifies their reputation as a force to be reckoned with across multiple racing disciplines.
Let’s rewind and explore the moments that have made Trackhouse a household name in racing.
Project 91: A Game-Changer with a Controversial Twist
Trackhouse founder Justin Marks envisioned Project 91 as a bridge between international racing stars and NASCAR, aiming to expose the sport to a global audience. This initiative brought legends like 2007 Formula 1 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen, four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves, and Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen (SVG) into the NASCAR fold. But here’s the controversial part: Some purists argue that one-off entries dilute the integrity of the sport. What do you think? Does Project 91 enhance NASCAR’s appeal, or does it undermine its traditional roots?
SVG’s debut at the 2023 Chicago Street Course was nothing short of legendary. He became the first driver in over 60 years to win a NASCAR Cup race on his first attempt, leaving the racing world in utter disbelief. Since then, he’s transitioned full-time to stock car racing, dominating road courses with five consecutive wins in 2025 and becoming the most successful rookie in Cup Series history.
Ross Chastain’s Wall-Ride: Genius or Madness?
Ross Chastain, Trackhouse’s flagship NASCAR star, is no stranger to controversy. His 2022 season finale move at the Martinsville Speedway remains one of the most debated moments in racing history. Facing elimination, Chastain opted for the unthinkable: he floored the accelerator, pinned his car against the outside wall, and slingshotted past five cars, shattering the track record. Was this a stroke of genius or a reckless gamble? While the move secured his spot in the Championship 4 and went viral with over 200 million views, it sparked heated debates about the limits of racing strategy.
Chastain’s daring maneuver ultimately propelled Trackhouse to a runner-up finish in the championship, falling just 356 feet short of the title. But his legacy extends beyond that moment—he’s become a symbol of Trackhouse’s fearless approach to racing.
The Closest Photo Finish in NASCAR History: A Cinematic Moment
In 2024, Daniel Suarez, Trackhouse’s original NASCAR driver and the first Mexican-born Cup Series winner, delivered another unforgettable moment. In a finish straight out of a Hollywood movie, Suarez crossed the line in a three-wide photo finish, edging out Ryan Blaney by a mere 0.003 seconds and Kyle Busch by 0.007 seconds. This wasn’t just a win—it was history. Suarez became the first foreign-born driver to win an oval race in the Cup Series since 1974, cementing Trackhouse’s reputation as a team that rewrites the rules.
Disrupting the Championship Race: A Bold Move or Overstepping Boundaries?
In 2023, Chastain, already eliminated from the playoffs, inserted himself into the Championship 4 battle at Phoenix Raceway. His aggressive driving drew the ire of eventual champion Ryan Blaney, who flipped him during the race. Was Chastain’s interference fair play, or did he cross the line? While he ultimately won the race, the broadcast team struggled to focus on the actual champion, Ryan Blaney, who finished second. This moment raises questions about the role of non-contenders in championship races.
From Last to First: The Unconventional Victory
Earlier this year, Chastain delivered Trackhouse’s biggest NASCAR win yet in the 2025 Coca-Cola 600. After crashing in practice, the team worked overnight to prepare a backup car, starting dead last in 40th place. Chastain methodically climbed through the field, taking the lead with just ten miles left and securing the checkered flag. Is this a testament to Trackhouse’s resilience, or does it expose flaws in NASCAR’s backup car rules? The win, starting from the deepest position in the race’s history, sparked discussions about the fairness of such comebacks.
Fernandez’s MotoGP Triumph: A Victory Against the Odds
Trackhouse’s most recent shockwave came in MotoGP, where Raul Fernandez secured his first-ever Grand Prix win at the Australian Grand Prix. Starting fourth, Fernandez capitalized on Marco Bezzecchi’s penalty to take the lead and maintain a blistering pace. Was this a fluke, or is Trackhouse’s MotoGP team poised for dominance? With a less than two-year-old effort, their victory challenges the notion that success in MotoGP requires decades of experience.
The Bigger Picture: A Global Racing Powerhouse
With 14 NASCAR Cup wins and one MotoGP victory, Trackhouse’s drivers—Chastain (USA), Van Gisbergen (New Zealand), Suarez (Mexico), and Fernandez (Spain)—represent a truly international force. But here’s the question: Can Trackhouse sustain this momentum, or are they peaking too soon? And what does their success mean for the future of motorsports?
We want your opinion!
What’s your take on Trackhouse’s disruptive journey? Do their bold moves elevate racing, or do they push the boundaries too far? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s spark a conversation that could shape the future of motorsports.
- The Motorsport.com Team
