In the vlog ‘The Long Run’, which can be viewed HERE, Daniel Suarez discussed the on-track and off-track altercations with Ross Chastain from the recent Las Vegas Motor Speedway event.
The two were teammates at Trackhouse Racing from 2022 to 2025 until their split. Now with Spire Motorsports, Suarez recounted the events leading up to their post-race confrontation, humorously referring to Chastain as his ‘enemigo.’
Initial Contact
It all began on the second lap of the race when Suarez noted, “I believe it started on Lap 2, or maybe just over a quarter of a lap into it. He squeezed me with the #38 [driven by Zane Smith] and made contact. It was minor; just a typical racing incident. I didn’t hold a grudge and moved on. I’m certain he didn’t do it intentionally—it’s just part of racing.”
Late-Race Pass
As the race progressed, Chastain caught up to Suarez near the end while Suarez faced issues with his left-front tire. Chastain managed to pass him with just under three laps remaining, leading to some tight racing. After passing, Chastain allegedly gestured at Suarez with the middle finger.
Suarez explained, “With three laps left, I was battling tire issues, and when he passed, I got loose and crowded him. Thankfully, we didn’t collide, and no one was put at risk. However, he seemed upset, which is understandable. His finger gesture felt excessive, but that’s typical for him.”
Cooldown Lap Incident
After finishing 17th and 18th, respectively, on the cooldown lap, Suarez attempted to wave at Chastain, but Chastain retaliated by hitting Suarez’s car. Suarez mentioned he was trying to apologize for the earlier incident. “He was clearly very angry,” he commented. “That kind of behavior on the cooldown lap is unacceptable, especially since drivers often loosen their safety belts by that point, which poses safety risks.”
Pit Road Confrontation
The situation escalated to a heated confrontation in the pit area, where Suarez approached a visibly upset Chastain. They interacted physically before being separated, effectively ending the incident. “What happens on the track stays on the track; that’s just racing. However, I found the post-race exchange disappointing,” Suarez said. He expressed concern over the statements Chastain made afterwards, which he deemed unacceptable, stating it affected his respect for him as a person.
Suarez Responds to Speculation
While Suarez didn’t disclose the exact comments that upset him, he addressed rumors suggesting he was targeting Trackhouse Racing. “Many believe I’m targeting the organization, but that’s not even on my mind,” he clarified. The vlog, originally started last year with his wife Julia Piquet, will focus on select races moving forward, with the next one set for Bristol.
