The No. 7 Spire Motorsports team faces significant challenges during the intense NASCAR season at Talladega Superspeedway, marking the tenth round of the 2025 season. Justin Haley‘s team endured a turbulent start as their Chevrolet vehicle failed pre-race technical inspection twice, only passing on the third attempt. Consequently, the team forfeited their pit stall selection, placing Haley at a disadvantage regardless of his qualifying position.
Compounding the uncertainty, the team’s car chief, Doug Powers, was ejected from the track. Notably, Powers stepped into the role after Robert ‘Cheddar’ Smith departed earlier in the month to join Joe Gibbs Racing as a car chief. No other teams faced similar inspection issues, intensifying the spotlight on Haley’s situation.
Alongside these hurdles, Justin Haley navigates changes atop the pit box, following Rodney Childers’ surprising exit. Childers, previously steering the team to heights, parted ways with Spire due to dynamic challenges within the organization. Filling the void, Ryan Sparks, Spire’s director of competition and former crew chief, now assumes dual responsibilities, steering the team through turbulent waters.
The team dynamics further shifted when Haley lost key crew members in a switch involving Kyle Larson‘s No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports team. Departures include Jafar Hall, Mike Moss, Allen Stallings, and Eric Ludwig, weakening Haley’s support system amid growing competition pressures.
Currently stationed 23rd in the championship standings, Justin Haley remains steadfast in restoring stability within the team. As the season progresses, Haley aims to counteract recent shake-ups, focusing on reclaiming balance and minimizing disruptions.
