Justin Haley’s Departure from Spire Motorsports
Justin Haley’s exit from Spire Motorsports after this season was not unexpected. Drivers ranked outside the top 25 in the standings are generally at risk of being released, and Haley has been positioned 28th or lower since the 11th race of the season, currently sitting at 31st.
This season was anticipated to go differently for Haley, who has recorded two top-10 finishes and 13 finishes within the top 20 out of 33 races. However, he also has 11 finishes outside the top 25, with only two of those attributable to accidents. Midseason, the team made a change in crew chief, highlighting the ongoing struggles but revealing that things were not falling into place.
The question now is who will take over the No. 7 car? The position has proven to be challenging; Corey LaJoie lost his seat a year before his contract expired last season, and now Haley finds himself without a ride after just one season.
Daniel Suarez emerges as the leading candidate to step in. With 323 Cup races under his belt, including at least two wins and 75 top-10 finishes, he could also bring some sponsorship. Currently ranked 28th in the standings, he has achieved seven top-10 finishes and 16 in the top 20 this year, despite having nine accidents that resulted in race retirements.
Both Haley and Suarez have struggled to match their teammates’ performances. Ross Chastain has consistently ranked in the top 12 at Trackhouse, while Michael McDowell and Carson Hocevar are also outperforming Haley, combining for 13 top-10 finishes between them.
If Suarez joins Spire, he would introduce a diverse dynamic with teammates McDowell and Hocevar. However, his experience means he may have specific expectations regarding the car and team, which could contribute to potential friction. His remarks about frustrations at Trackhouse suggest he is not hesitant to voice his concerns, creating a challenge for the team regarding compatibility and adaptation.
For Haley, a potential return to Kaulig Racing could be the best move, where he found success in the Xfinity Series. There, he might be part of the Ram truck program while possibly participating in a limited Cup schedule, depending on the organization’s plans. Both Haley and Suarez are looking to rebuild their careers and must generate strong performances to secure their futures beyond 2026.
