Trackhouse Racing entered the NASCAR Cup Series at the beginning of the 2021 season and hasn’t slowed down since that point. The team’s debut season went well for a new operation and 2022 represented the beginning of success.
Ross Chastain ran incredibly well and won two NASCAR Cup Series races while Daniel Suarez claimed one victory at Sonoma Raceway. Chastain made the Championship 4 but came up just short to Team Penske driver Joey Logano.
Trackhouse Racing also introduced PROJECT91, which is a third car dedicated to bringing international drivers to NASCAR. The No. 91 car has become popular and the organization could decide to make a shocking decision with it for the 2024 season.
Related: Trackhouse Racing believes Ross Chastain’s latest actions have been concerning
Trackhouse Racing could expand to 3 cars for the 2024 season with a surprising lead candidate
Trackhouse Racing has been one of NASCAR’s best organizations in the NextGen car era and it seems likely that it will continue moving forward. Chastain is poised to be one of the sport’s most polarizing drivers for years to come as the team becomes even more popular.
The organization has been linked to Kimi Raikkonen as he made starts in the PROJECT 91 entry while Shane van Gisbergen is set to pilot the No. 91 car at the Chicago Street Course next month. This has only helped Trackouse Racing as they have an international reach.
NASCAR has benefited from Trackhouse Racing’s entrance into the NASCAR Cup Series and they won’t be going away anytime soon. In fact, there could be another full-time entry on the race track as soon as the 2024 season.
According to The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi, Trackhouse Racing has considered the idea of expanding to three full-time cars for the 2024 season and beyond. It would be a surprising expansion as NASCAR works through TV and charter deals.
However, the organization’s talks about expanding to three cars have cooled down lately. While the idea of Trackhouse Racing adding a third car isn’t out of the picture, it may not be as likely as it once appeared.
The more shocking bit of information might be the driver linked to the team. According to Bianchi, if Trackhouse Racing were to expand its operations, Spire Motorsports driver Corey LaJoie would be a top candidate for the ride.
LaJoie, 31, is in the midst of a standout campaign in the No. 7 car and recently had an opportunity with Hendrick Motorsports after Chase Elliott was suspended for right-rear hooking Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin during the Coca-Cola 600.
The 31-year-old driver has made great improvements as his average finishing position is five spots better than last year. LaJoie also sits 21st in the point standings with a 39-point deficit to the playoff cut-line.
If Trackhouse Racing were to shockingly expand to three full-time entries, LaJoie would be a pretty good fit with the organization. He has a personality that meshes well with the team and his performances have been pretty good compared to previous seasons.
Perhaps, LaJoie could be the next Chastain. The driver of the No. 1 car spent his entire career in lower-end equipment until Chip Ganassi Racing and Trackhouse Racing gave him a chance. The Spire Motorsports driver could have a similar journey.
However, what if Trackhouse Racing expands in the future and LaJoie is not the selection for the entry as there would be other options available? Continue reading to find out three bold candidates for Trackhouse Racing moving forward!
Related: Carl Edwards reveals desire to tour Trackhouse Racing, won’t drive No. 91 car
3 bold candidates if Trackhouse Racing expands to three cars in the future
Trackhouse Racing may not expand to three full-time cars for the 2024 season but if the idea is being considered, it seems like a good possibility that it will happen in the future. If so, who are the three bold candidates for the third seat?
Carson Hocevar currently drives for Niece Motorsports in the NASCAR Truck Series and has been impressive over the last month. Hocevar, 20, has run well in his select NASCAR Xfinity Series starts and executed above expectations with Spire Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series last weekend.
The 20-year-old driver probably needs at least one season in the Xfinity Series but he has connections with Chastain and Trackhouse Racing. Hocevar would be a great long-term addition to the team if the timelines are consistent.
Austin Hill drives for Richard Childress Racing in the Xfinity Series and could be in line for a Cup Series ride really soon. Hill, 29, remains in the Chevrolet camp and may not have room at Richard Childress Racing in the future.
The 29-year-old driver is blocked by Kyle Busch and Austin Dillon and could take his feel-good story to Trackhouse Racing. Hill would be an excellent option as he is worthy of a ride at NASCAR’s top level.
Michael McDowell drives for Front Row Motorsports in the Cup Series and would finally receive his big shot if Trackhouse Racing picked him up. McDowell, 38, is also being heavily linked to Stewart-Haas Racing to replace Aric Almirola as he is expected to retire at the end of the 2023 season.
The 38-year-old driver deserves an opportunity in good equipment and would be a great fit alongside Chastain and Suarez. It seems inevitable that McDowell receives a good ride so maybe the organization can grab his services.
Trackhouse Racing is one of NASCAR’s best organizations during the NextGen car era which would make this a highly pursued landing spot. If there is an opening, the rising team will certainly have plenty of options in the future.