Trackhouse Racing Partners with Grammy Winner Pitbull

Pitbull and Trackhouse Racing have formed a partnership, making the Grammy Award winner a co-owner of the newly formed NASCAR Cup Series team. The organization announced the news today -- five weeks ahead of the season opener Daytona 500. 

Pitbull, whose real name is Armando Christian Pérez, joins Justin Marks as a co-owner of Trackhouse Racing. The team has hired 2016 Xfinity Series champion Daniel Suarez as its driver. 

“I’ve been a fan of the NASCAR story since the movie ‘Days of Thunder,’” Pérez said in a statement. “As soon as I met Justin, (team president) Ty Norris and Daniel, we were on the same page. They welcomed me aboard, and now we’re going to show the world NASCAR is not only a sport, but it’s a culture. This is an amazing way to celebrate my 40th birthday, so Get Ready! Dale! (Dah-lay)”

The co-owners plan to foster the launch of a racing-themed STEM curriculum within the SLAM! (Sports Leadership Arts and Management) inner-city charter schools. In 2013, Pérez helped start the SLAM Foundation, which funds public charter K-12 schools with free tuition in cities throughout the United States. 

“I am proud that in just a few months we are here announcing a partnership with one of the most influential and recognized artists in the world,” Marks said in a statement. “Within the first 10 minutes of our first meeting, it was clear Armando and I share a vision and passion for impacting the lives of the underrepresented. We are creating and compelling a movement of positivity and possibility, using the platform and excitement of sports and music. Through NASCAR and our partnership with Pitbull, we are going to have the attention of a global demographic that is ready to be inspired into action for themselves, their families and their future.”

Pitbull’s global impact is matched by his social media presence and following. He has more than 53 million likes on his Facebook page, 25.5 million followers on Twitter, and 8.2 followers on Instagram. 

This isn’t the first time Pitbull has been involved with NASCAR. The star created a music video for last year’s Xfinity Series and Cup Series season championship finales at Phoenix Raceway, and it was aired on NBCSN and NBC.