Ty Norris’ departure from Trackhouse Racing has stirred significant attention across the NASCAR community. The highly respected motorsports executive, who played an instrumental role in the rise of Trackhouse Racing since its establishment in 2021, has moved to Kaulig Racing to serve as their Chief Business Officer. In this new role, Norris will collaborate with team owner Matt Kaulig and team president Chris Rice, focusing on forming partnerships and developing strategies for the future success of the team.
Norris’ exit from Trackhouse Racing occurred on good terms, and the team’s co-founder, Justin Marks, expressed nothing but admiration for his former colleague. Marks described Norris as one of the most skilled and accomplished executives in NASCAR, praising his ability to build and elevate racing teams. Despite his departure, Norris’ contributions to Trackhouse Racing will not be forgotten, as his efforts helped transform the organization from a small team into a legitimate force in NASCAR.
When Ty Norris joined Trackhouse Racing in 2021, the team had only one Cup Series car, driven by Daniel Suarez. Since then, under his leadership, the team has grown considerably. Trackhouse Racing has made some bold moves, including purchasing Chip Ganassi Racing, acquiring a third charter for Shane van Gisbergen from Stewart-Haas Racing, and launching the innovative PROJECT91 program. In the three years since its formation, the team has gone from underdogs to playoff contenders, with Daniel Suarez competing in the Round of 12 of the NASCAR playoffs.
Despite Norris’ departure, Justin Marks remains optimistic about continuing the relationship between Trackhouse Racing and Kaulig Racing. He highlighted the strong partnership between the two teams, mentioning that their pit crew collaborates with Kaulig, and they have also worked together to provide racing opportunities for Shane van Gisbergen. Marks noted that Norris saw an opportunity to elevate Kaulig Racing much like he did with Trackhouse Racing and believes that the two organizations will maintain close ties.
Ty Norris brings over 35 years of experience in the NASCAR industry. His career began at RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company in 1990, and he later moved to Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) six years later. He also worked briefly as Vice President of Special Projects at Speedway Motorsports before joining Michael Waltrip Racing (MWR) in 2005. Norris’ time at MWR was marked by controversy during the 2013 “SpinGate” incident, in which Clint Bowyer intentionally caused a caution to aid teammate Martin Truex Jr.’s playoff chances. Norris faced suspension but was reinstated by NASCAR shortly thereafter. When MWR closed its doors in 2015, Norris transitioned to Spire Sports + Entertainment, eventually becoming president of the agency and its racing team by 2020. In 2021, he joined Justin Marks at Trackhouse Racing, where he helped build the team from the ground up. Now, at 59 years old, Norris is beginning the next chapter of his career with Kaulig Racing.
Kaulig Racing has welcomed Ty Norris with open arms, underscoring the strong partnership between Kaulig and Trackhouse. The two teams have collaborated on several occasions, including a crew chief swap between Daniel Suarez and Travis Mack. Additionally, Shane van Gisbergen, a Trackhouse driver, has driven for Kaulig in the Xfinity Series, illustrating the strong bond between the teams. Given this history of collaboration, it comes as no surprise that Norris’ move to Kaulig has been smooth and well-received.
Kaulig Racing has high hopes for what Ty Norris can accomplish. The team, which has won two Cup Series races since 2016 and 26 Xfinity Series races, is aiming to become a consistent playoff contender in NASCAR’s premier division. Norris’ experience and expertise in building competitive teams will be crucial in achieving these goals. The organization released a statement expressing their excitement about Norris’ appointment, emphasizing his role in shaping the team’s long-term strategy alongside Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice.
As Norris begins his tenure at Kaulig Racing, all eyes will be on him to see if he can replicate the success he achieved at Trackhouse Racing. With a strong foundation already in place, the addition of an experienced executive like Norris could be the missing piece that helps Kaulig Racing take the next step. While only time will tell how much of an impact Norris will make, his appointment represents a promising step forward for the team as they strive to establish themselves among NASCAR’s elite.
Justin Marks Breaks Silence on Trackhouse Racing President’s Sudden Move to Kaulig Racing
