NASCAR: 3 drivers who could be next for Trackhouse’s PROJECT91

Trackhouse PROJECT91 possibilities: No. 2 – Daniel Ricciardo

It’s no secret that Daniel Ricciardo loves NASCAR.

For the entirety of his Formula 1 career, the Australian competed with the No. 3 on his car, as the late Dale Earnhardt was his racing idol. During his stint at Red Bull from 2014 to 2018, Ricciardo ran the famous Earnhardt No. 3 font, and he even used its color scheme in 2016 in his honor.

The eight-time grand prix winner also loves the United States.

He typically spends a good chunk of his offseason in the country by training in California or going to New York for Buffalo Bills NFL games. The United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas is also his favorite event on the Formula 1 calendar every year, due to the atmosphere surrounding it and the lifestyle of the Lone Star State itself.

It was at that event in 2021 when he lived out a childhood dream, driving his hero’s blue and yellow No. 3 Cup car from 1984 at COTA. His personality and interests perfectly align with the culture of the United States.

But times have changed for Ricciardo over the last year.

His highly documented struggles at McLaren in 2021 and 2022 caused him to lose his ride at the end of last season, thus falling off the 2023 grid until he was recently picked by AlphaTauri to replace struggling rookie Nyck de Vries.

Last offseason, he did sign a deal with Red Bull to become their third driver, but until now, he had attended just a few grands prix this season and had otherwise been largely available.

While 2023 might not be an option following his AlphaTauri move, 2024 makes perfect sense if he doesn’t remain there long-term. The Aussie can live out a childhood dream with Trackhouse Racing Team and spend a weekend in a country he seemingly can’t get enough of, while PROJECT91 and NASCAR get yet another international personality to compete at the top level.