The 2025 Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway brought all the chaos you’d expect from a road course (and then some). Across 110 intense laps on the twisty, hilly 1.99-mile track, fans were treated to nonstop action: bold strategy calls, multiple cautions, and some seriously gutsy driving. Shane van Gisbergen bagged his second straight road course win, fending off some serious heat in the closing laps.

But while SVG was busy celebrating, the real fireworks were happening elsewhere. A tense moment between Trackhouse teammates lit up the track and the NASCAR garage. By the time the checkered flag waved, it was clear the biggest story wasn’t just about who won. Rather, it was about the drama bubbling under the surface at one of NASCAR’s most challenging tracks. And Dale Jr. isn’t happy about it.

Dale Jr. sounds off after Sonoma teammate drama

After a tense and dramatic mid-race incident, Sonoma’s 2025 Toyota Save Mart 350 was defined as much by Team Trackhouse’s internal fireworks as by on-track action. The flash point came on Lap 45. Trackhouse driver Ross Chastain locked up his brakes and spun teammate Daniel Suárez in Turn 11. Now, this sent the No. 99 car from 14th to 29th as the field sorted itself through the bottleneck.

Ross Chastain, who had won Stage 1 and was a pre-race favorite, admitted over team radio that he got into the corner too hot and just overdrove. Dale Jr. aligned with Chastain on The Dale Jr. Download podcast, saying, “And while Chastain is the one who f—— up here, he made a mistake. You can see the rear tires lock up right there. And he’s like, I can’t get it stopped. I’m going to hit you. I’m sorry.”

Suárez, currently winless and buried at 29th in the playoff standings, needed a clean run and not a spin from his own teammate. “He’s been able to sort of, uh, control those frustrations around those feelings to a point. And this kind of stuff right here might make it a little personal,” Dale Jr. acknowledged the angle.

Dale Jr. also offered a nuanced view, saying Suárez’s defensive block contributed to the accident: “You block. You pay.” If he hadn’t pulled that move, then Suárez would’ve likely cleared the corner clean, kept his position, and both Trackhouse cars would’ve come out unscathed. Unfortunately, that’s not the way things panned out! However, adding another layer to the drama is the fact that Daniel Suárez is set to leave Trackhouse and possibly the entire Cup Series after this season. The announcement came abruptly mid-year, catching fans and insiders off guard. With no confirmed ride lined up for 2026, every race now feels like a high-stakes audition.

As the Cup Series heads to Dover International Speedway for the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400, the pressure only intensifies. For Daniel Suárez, the clock is ticking. And with each missed opportunity, the road to another full-time Cup seat in 2026 gets harder to see.

Trackhouse Racing boss gives his verdict

Trackhouse Racing faced immediate challenges after the clash between Ross Chastain and Daniel Suárez at Sonoma, one that team owner Justin Marks didn’t try to sugarcoat. Speaking to the media after the race, Marks expressed clear disappointment, “That was a bummer, honestly. It’s just sort of a tough spot for the team. I think the important thing in those positions is that the two guys have an opportunity to talk about it and get over it, so we can prepare as a team for Dover.”

With Suárez fighting for a playoff berth in his final season with Trackhouse, the tangle couldn’t have come at a worse time for team morale or strategy. Marks highlighted the internal struggle Suárez might be facing: “I certainly understand the frustration on Daniel’s side.”

Both drivers were brought in for rapid debriefs, with Marks reportedly urging them to focus on the remainder of the season and move forward. “It’s just sort of a tough spot for the team,” he said. Insiders noted the emotional toll of the crash on Suárez, who has consistently handled setbacks professionally in public.

However, he now faces additional pressure with his future uncertain and playoff hopes slipping. Meanwhile, some fans wondered whether team orders or clearer communication might have prevented the incident. The aftermath has left Trackhouse in a delicate balancing act.

Marks and his leadership are working to rebuild trust and keep both camps focused. They very well know that any further drama could derail not only their playoff aspirations but the crucial team chemistry. Will Suárez have a comeback? Or will this be the last season of his in the Cup Series? Only time will tell.