Pitbull leaves Trackhouse Racing just days before the highly anticipated Daytona 500 marking the end of a four-year tenure in NASCAR team ownership.
The announcement of his sudden departure was made via his social media accounts on February 14, 2025, where the Grammy-winning rapper expressed gratitude for the journey and excitement for his upcoming performance at the Daytona 500.
Pitbull leaves Trackhouse Racing after a four-year tenure in team co-ownership alongside former NASCAR driver Justin Marks. The partnership started in 2021 when the team made its debut in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Pitbull, whose real name is Armando Christian Pérez, is known for his global appeal and entrepreneurial ventures and his presence in the sport was regarded to be a groundbreaking move that brought an unique perspective, attracting new fans and sponsors.
Under the Latin music icon’s co-ownership, Trackhouse experienced notable success securing eight wins over four seasons and establishing itself as a competitive force in NASCAR.
“Ending partnership with Trackhouse Racing,” Pitbull shared a statement on X. “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.
“We have made the decision to terminate the partnership with Trackhouse Racing, effective immediately.”
Justin Marks expressed appreciation for Pitbull’s contributions to Trackhouse Racing, describing their partnership as a “great business story.” He acknowledged that Pitbull took a risk by joining an uncertain venture and played a pivotal role in building the team’s brand.
“This is a great business story,” Marks wrote. “Armando came in when we had no certainty of any material success and took a chance to help build a brand.
“Now that we’ve scaled up and have new parters, he’s been able to be rewarded for the impact he’s made. A great investment on both ends.”
Pitbull leaves Trackhouse Racing just days ahead of his scheduled performance at the Daytona 500 pre-race concert, raising eyebrows over what could have possibly triggered his sudden departure.
Despite the amicable tone of his farewell message, industry insiders speculate that various factors may have influenced this decision. Although no specific reasons were disclosed, possibilities include strategic realignments within the team or financial considerations as the team expands its operations.
As Trackhouse prepares to field four cars in this year’s Daytona 500—one for each of its drivers from different countries—Pitbull’s exit raises questions about the future direction of the team and its branding strategy.
Pitbull leaves Trackhouse Racing at a time the team is making huge progress not only in its competitive edge but also in its commitment to inclusivity and international representation within NASCAR.
This year’s lineup includes drivers Ross Chastain from Florida, Daniel Suarez from Mexico (who recently became a U.S. citizen), Shane van Gisbergen from New Zealand, and Helio Castroneves from Brazil. This diverse roster reflects Pitbull’s vision of uniting cultures through sport.
Looking ahead, while his exit signifies the end of an era, it does not mark his withdrawal from NASCAR entirely. His commitment to performing at the Daytona 500 suggests that he will continue to influence the sport in other capacities.
The entertainment industry often sees partnerships evolve or dissolve based on changing dynamics, and this situation exemplifies that reality.
