The NASCAR Cup Series team Trackhouse Racing is not like any other. The organization selected drivers like Daniel Suarez and watermelon farmer Ross Chastain in an effort to upset the Cup Series’ existing power dynamics. Considering their little but fruitful history, they have developed into one of NASCAR’s most powerful forces. But Justin Marks, the team’s owner, has big ideas for his Trackhouse concept that go beyond NASCAR ovals. When Marks moved his squad overseas and entered the MotoGP world, this was evident. It was a significant move to go from four to two wheels and to increase Tackhouse’s footprint. As a team owner, he must balance the two titans of auto racing series, but it appears that his expansion project is far from complete.
Trackhouse Racing is considering entering the Indianapolis 500
Drivers from NASCAR have a long history of crossovering to IndyCar. Numerous drivers have attempted to complete 1100 miles of racing in a single day as part of the historic double. 500 kilometers at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the open-wheel vehicle, followed by a return trip to Charlotte for the Coca-Cola 600.
In 2024, Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson made his Indy 500 debut. Marks is aiming for this since he wants to have his car racing brand recognized at the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” “It’s definitely a dream of mine to have Trackhouse represented in that race.” Marks stated in an interview with NBC Sports regarding his intentions to diversify into open-wheel racing, particularly the Indianapolis 500.
Discussions are still going on. It’s no easy task. As a corporation, we have been considering it for a number of years. I believe we’ll examine it closely when the time is appropriate. Without us taking part in the greatest open-wheel race in the world, I don’t think the Trackhouse tale will ever be finished.
This fantasy concept isn’t out of bounds, considering how concept 91 has enabled the team to collaborate with foreign drivers like Helio Castroneves, Shane van Gisbergen, and Kimi Raikkonen. But even a well-known team like Hendrick Motorsports had to work with Arrow-McLaren to develop a plan for Kyle Larson. Nevertheless, they encountered difficulties, particularly when Larson missed the Coca-Cola 600 start and the controversy surrounding the waiver. So, Marks also understands the challenges that come with attempting this ambitious project.
As of right moment, Trackhouse Racing has three cars. In 2025, SVG plans to pilot their third full-time entry. Additionally, Project 91 is back, with Helio Castroneves, a four-time Indianapolis 500 winner, trying to earn a spot in the Daytona 500. Even though effort 91 has shown promise and success, Marks views it as a road course effort that gives non-NASCAR drivers a chance to succeed in NASCAR. For the drivers that work with them, Justin Marks wants Project 91 to be a success. The #91 race car would see more open entries like Castroneves in the future now that they have grown to a three-car squad. After all, they are unlikely to succeed if they compete against the best on the ovals.
Additionally, Marks wants the drivers associated with Project 91 to maximize their abilities; SVG’s ascent through the ranks was demonstrated by his victory in the Chicago Street Race. “We genuinely want to place these people in positions to succeed, whether they are World Endurance Championship or Formula One drivers, regardless of where they may be from. Taking someone who has never driven a stock vehicle or been on an oval before to Dover, Bristol, Darlington, or somewhere similar doesn’t make much sense. We want the car to be a success. It is essentially a road course program, in my opinion. “Marks added.” However, the Brazilian driver’s appearance in the #91 car for the Daytona 500 is something of a special project. Castroneves has proven his prowess winning the Rolex 24 at Daytona and has 16 IROC starts under his belt. There’s a possibility that he could return for more Cup races at tracks like COTA, Sonoma, or Watkins Glen.
