CONCORD, N.C. – Daniel Suarez will not return to Gaunt Brothers Racing at the conclusion of the NASCAR Cup Series season.
Suarez joined the team in late January after parting ways with Stewart-Haas Racing at the end of the 2020 season. The relationship started off rough, with Suarez failing to qualify for the Daytona 500 after crashing in his Bluegreen Vacations Duel race.
The team does not have a charter, meaning they’re not locked into races on a weekly basis.
“The entire team is very appreciative of the effort Daniel has put forth. He has helped build the foundation we need for next season as well as 2022 when the NextGen car arrives,” said Marty Gaunt, president and CEO of Gaunt Brothers Racing, in a statement. “We’re both committed to earning as many points as possible in these last eight races together and finishing the season strong.”
Gaunt Brothers Racing is Suarez’s third team in four seasons at NASCAR’s top level. After winning the 2016 NASCAR Xfinity Series title, Suarez moved to the Cup Series in 2017 with Joe Gibbs Racing after Carl Edwards announced his retirement.
Suarez spent two seasons with Joe Gibbs Racing before moving to Stewart-Haas Racing in 2019. He was unable to reach an agreement to remain with the team this year, prompting his move to Gaunt Brothers Racing.
In 135 NASCAR Cup Series starts, Suarez has eight top-five and 32 top-10 finishes, with a best finish of second in 2018.
A message to my amigos#SuarezNation #DanielsAmigos pic.twitter.com/G6HK8bWNcl
— Daniel Suárez (@Daniel_SuarezG) September 15, 2020
“I’m extremely thankful to my entire Toyota family for everything they have done for me, especially this year. I will always be grateful to them for having my back,” Suarez said in a statement. “Marty and everyone at Gaunt Brothers Racing invest a lot of time and effort into this race team and I’m proud to have been a part of it. I have given 100 percent of myself to this team since day one, and I will continue to give 100 percent until the last lap at Phoenix. My goal has always been to win races and championships, and that will never change.”