Full Breakdown
Daniel Suarez Returns to NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series After Five Years
4/2/2026, 3:01:17 PM
Overview of the Event
Daniel Suarez, a prominent driver in the NASCAR Cup Series for Spire Motorsports, is set to make his first appearance in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in over five years. This significant event will take place at Bristol Motor Speedway during the Tennessee Army National Guard 250 on April 10, 2026. Suarez will be driving the No. 71 Chevrolet, supported by Freeway Insurance.
Background & Context
Suarez's last participation in the Craftsman Truck Series occurred in 2021 at Bristol, where he finished 17th in the inaugural "Bristol Dirt Race," won by Martin Truex, Jr. Prior to that, his last Truck Series starts were in 2016, where he competed 13 times for Kyle Busch Motorsports, including a victory at Phoenix Raceway. Throughout his career, Suarez has achieved wins across all three of NASCAR's National Series, including two Cup Series wins and four victories in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, where he also secured the championship in 2016.
Current Season Performance
In the ongoing 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, Suarez has recorded two top-10 finishes in the first seven races, with a notable fifth-place finish at EchoPark Speedway in February. His transition from Trackhouse Racing to Spire Motorsports has positioned him alongside teammates Carson Hocevar and Michael McDowell, who currently rank 15th, 16th, and 17th in the Cup Series standings, respectively.
Team Achievements
Spire Motorsports has made a notable impact in the Craftsman Truck Series since launching its program in 2022, securing 10 race wins. In 2025, the team achieved four victories, with Rajah Caruth winning in the No. 71 at Nashville Superspeedway. Other drivers, including Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson, have also contributed to the team's success in the Truck Series.
Upcoming Event Details
The Tennessee Army National Guard 250 is part of a three-race weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway, culminating with the NASCAR Cup Series Food City 500 on April 12. The Craftsman Truck Series race is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET, with coverage available on FS1, the NASCAR Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Official Statements & Responses
Zach Evans, the Managing Editor of RacingAmerica.com, highlighted Suarez's return as a noteworthy event in the NASCAR community, emphasizing the driver's diverse experience across different series and his potential impact on the upcoming race.
Verbatim Quotes
This return marks a significant moment for Suarez as he aims to leverage his extensive experience in the NASCAR landscape to make a strong impression in the Craftsman Truck Series.
