DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – After five years, Pitbull has pulled the plug on his partnership with NASCAR Cup Series team Trackhouse Racing.
The award-winning artist made the announcement on his social media platforms Friday afternoon, just two days before he was scheduled to perform in the pre-race concert ahead of Sunday’s 67th annual DAYTONA 500.
“Mr. Worldwide” joined Trackhouse Racing as a co-owner alongside Justin Marks ahead of the team’s debut in the Cup Series in the 2021 DAYTONA 500 with driver Daniel Suárez.
This year, the Concord, N.C.-based organization will field four cars in the “Great American Race,” with drivers Ross Chastain, Suárez, New Zealand’s Shane van Gisbergen, and IndyCar standout Helio Castroneves — a four-time Indianapolis 500 winner — who is competing in the season-opening race as part of the team’s PROJECT 91 initiative.
Pitbull, whose real name is Armando Christian Pérez, has often expressed his love for NASCAR and music, aiming to use both as a means to unite people and showcase opportunities for all cultures.
“Over the past five years, we’ve made history by introducing NASCAR to a whole new audience and falling in love with NASCAR fans at the same time,” Pitbull wrote on social media.
“We have made the decision to terminate the partnership with Trackhouse Racing, effective immediately. We’re looking forward to performing on the sport’s biggest stage this Sunday, the Daytona 500.”
Marks responded by thanking the Miami-based rapper for his contributions to the team.
“This is a great business story. Armando came in when we had no certainty of any material success and took a chance to help build a brand,” Marks wrote on social media.
“Now that we’ve scaled up and have new partners, he’s been able to be rewarded for the impact he’s made. A great investment on both ends.”
Pitbull leaves Trackhouse with eight NASCAR Cup Series wins between Chastain, Suárez, and van Gisbergen, as well as a championship-best finish of second with Chastain following the 2022 season finale at Phoenix Raceway.
The reason for the partnership’s termination was not disclosed.
Follow Chris Knight on X (Twitter) @Knighter01 or email at [email protected].
