Pitbull, the famous musician and entertainer, has announced his departure from Trackhouse Racing, the NASCAR Cup Series team in which he was a co-owner. The news came through a recent social media post where he indicated the split was effective immediately.
In his announcement, Pitbull, whose real name is Armando Christian Pérez, reflected on the past five years of collaboration with Trackhouse Racing. He mentioned that during this time, the partnership successfully brought NASCAR to a broader audience and fostered a deep love for NASCAR among fans. “We have made the decision to terminate the partnership with Trackhouse Racing,” he stated, highlighting the successful journey they had together.
Trackhouse Racing made its debut in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2021, with Pitbull joining the ownership group early in its formation. The team was founded by Justin Marks, who purchased the assets of Chip Ganassi Racing at the end of the 2021 season, then expanded the team to operate two cars. When Pitbull came on board, he resonated with the team’s vision and atmosphere, emphasizing that he was aligned with Marks, team president Ty Norris, and driver Daniel Suarez right from the start. He expressed excitement about introducing the culture of NASCAR to a wider audience.
Justin Marks responded positively to Pitbull’s impact on the team over the years. He praised Pitbull for taking a chance on Trackhouse Racing when the team had uncertainties regarding its potential success. Marks described the partnership as a beneficial investment for both sides, noting the significant contributions Pitbull made towards growing the brand.
Despite his departure from Trackhouse Racing, Pitbull is scheduled to be present at the upcoming Daytona 500, where he will perform as the pre-race entertainer. This concert was initially due to take place in 2024 but was postponed due to weather conditions. Fans can expect his energetic performance as he prepares to welcome the racing season in a festive atmosphere.
As part of his engagement in the event, Pitbull will also attend a news conference before the Daytona 500, where he may discuss his recent decision to part ways with the team in more detail. This could provide insight into the reasons behind the split and what the future holds for him outside of the racing team.
Trackhouse Racing is set for a busy season ahead, fielding three full-time cars in the Cup Series this year. Drivers Daniel Suarez, Ross Chastain, and Shane van Gisbergen will represent the team. In recent seasons, Trackhouse Racing has seen impressive performances, with their drivers accumulating eight wins over four seasons. Notably, Chastain had a standout year recently, finishing second in the overall points standings in 2022.
As NASCAR continues to grow and evolve, transitions like Pitbull’s departure from Trackhouse Racing highlight the dynamic nature of the sport. His role in promoting NASCAR and bringing in new fans cannot be understated. While he may no longer be involved with the ownership of the team, his commitment to the sport remains evident as he steps into his role as a performer at one of NASCAR’s most prestigious events.
Fans and fellow team members alike will be eager to see what the future holds for Pitbull as he continues his music career and seeks new ventures. His journey in NASCAR may have come to a close, but his passion for the sport and its community will undoubtedly carry on, making his pre-race concert a memorable event at the Daytona International Speedway.
