Justin Haley’s position at Spire Motorsports is increasingly uncertain as he struggles during his first full-time season in the NASCAR Cup Series driving the #7 Chevrolet. According to <a href="https://www.big14news.com/nascar/”>NASCAR insider Jordan Bianchi, speaking through The Daily Downforce, the team is considering releasing Haley if his performance does not improve before the season concludes.
Haley joined Spire Motorsports in a mid-season driver exchange last year, which saw Corey LaJoie move to Rick Ware Racing. So far in 2025, Haley has managed only one top-10 finish, a significant difference compared to his teammate Carson Hocevar, who has already earned two top-5 and six top-10 finishes during his sophomore campaign.
High Expectations Implemented with Veteran Crew Chief Assignment
Spire Motorsports appeared to place high hopes on the 26-year-old by pairing him with veteran crew chief Rodney Childers, notable for guiding Kevin Harvick to the 2014 championship. However, the collaboration was short-lived amid Haley’s ongoing slump, placing his future on the team in jeopardy.
The Daily Downforce highlighted the mounting pressure in an X post:
“Justin Haley is reportedly under pressure in his first full season with Spire Motorsports. Jordan Bianchi warns that if he doesn’t deliver consistent results, the team may move on before year’s end.” —Jordan Bianchi, NASCAR Insider
Notable Past Success at Daytona Adds Complexity to Haley’s Situation
If he remains with Spire Motorsports, Haley will approach the regular-season finale at Daytona’s Coke Zero Sugar 400, a race where he scored a surprise victory in 2019. That win, halted by weather after Haley led only a single lap, remains Spire’s sole Cup Series victory since its full-time entry in 2019.
Split with Rodney Childers and New Leadership Under Ryan Sparks
After nine races into the 2025 season, Spire Motorsports parted ways with Childers. Haley expressed that the end of their partnership was not unexpected, as he felt they were not a perfect fit.
“It was just a fit thing. Nothing super wrong that stood out, or was super left or right.” —Justin Haley, Driver
“Nothing surprises me in this sport anymore.” —Justin Haley, Driver
Childers had joined Spire following Stewart-Haas Racing’s exit from NASCAR at the close of 2024. Initially, Childers was assigned to Corey LaJoie, but LaJoie’s swap with Haley led Childers to work with Haley before his dismissal.
Ryan Sparks was hired to replace Childers as the lead crew chief for the #7 car. Since Sparks’ arrival, Haley has not reached the top 10, with his best finish being 11th place at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, followed by a disappointing 23rd at Iowa Speedway.
Upcoming Challenges at Watkins Glen International
Haley’s next event will be the race at Watkins Glen International, a 90-lap contest on the New York road course. His record on this track includes four Cup Series starts, mostly finishing outside the top 20, adding further difficulty to his quest for improved results.
Implications for Haley and Spire Motorsports Moving Forward
Haley’s struggles highlight the fragile nature of driver–team relationships in NASCAR’s competitive environment. With increasing pressure from the team and limited recent success, his future at Spire Motorsports remains in doubt as the 2025 season progresses. How Haley performs in upcoming races, including at Daytona and Watkins Glen, may ultimately determine whether he retains his seat.
