Spire Motorsports NASCAR Expansion: Spire Motorsports gears up for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series season with an expansion, announcing a trio of drivers set to helm their cars. Corey LaJoie secures his position in the No. 7 vehicle, while Carson Hocevar takes the wheel of the No. 77, previously piloted by Ty Dillon. Additionally, the team introduces Zane Smith as the third entry, steering the No. 71 Chevrolet.
In an unveiling made on Wednesday, the team disclosed the crew chief lineup for the upcoming drivers, augmenting their driving force for the 2024 season.
Stephen Doran will stand shoulder to shoulder with Smith and the No. 71 team, embarking on an exciting journey as Smith transitions from being the 2022 NASCAR Truck Series champion to a rookie in the Cup Series. Doran, previously associated with Stewart-Haas Racing as Kevin Harvick’s engineer since 2014, expressed enthusiasm about the forthcoming collaboration. “Zane and I have conversed extensively, and I believe this partnership will click. His track record speaks volumes about his capabilities, and I’m eager to be part of this journey. Our chemistry is palpable, and I’m certain it will reflect on and off the track,” Doran stated in the team’s release.
Meanwhile, bringing a wealth of experience to the table, Luke Lambert steps in as the veteran crew chief to guide Hocevar through his inaugural full-time season in the Cup Series. Lambert, with an extensive pit box tenure spanning over 350 races since 2011, previously worked with Legacy Motor Club and shared a stint with Hocevar in eight races during the 2023 season. He notably achieved runner-up finishes in the Cup Series with Ryan Newman in 2014 and in the Xfinity Series with Elliott Sadler in 2012 and Noah Gragson in 2022.
Excited about this new venture, Lambert expressed, “Carson Hocevar demonstrates immense potential, evident from our time together last year. His grasp on maximizing the race car’s potential combined with effective team communication makes this collaboration promising. I eagerly anticipate working alongside him in this fresh capacity and building on our prior experiences.”
Earlier this week, Spire Motorsports made another significant announcement, appointing Doug Duchardt as president, a move that takes immediate effect.
ALSO READ: Zane Smith Move to No. 71: Spire Motorsports’ NASCAR Plans Unveiled
Our Reader’s Queries
Who are the drivers for Spire Motorsports in 2024?
Spire Motorsports is set to dominate the NASCAR Cup Series in 2024 with their impressive lineup of Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s. The Nos. 7, 71, and 77 cars will be driven by Corey LaJoie, Zane Smith, and Carson Hocevar, respectively. With such a talented team behind the wheel, Spire Motorsports is sure to make a big impact on the racing world. Get ready to witness some thrilling action on the track!
What does Steve Letarte have to do with Spire Motorsports?
As a consultant for Spire Motorsports, a NASCAR Cup and Truck Series team, he brings his wealth of experience to the table. With a 20-year stint as a crew member and crew chief for Hendrick Motorsports, he retired in 2014. His expertise in the field is unmatched, making him an invaluable asset to any team he works with.
How much did Spire pay for KBM?
While the shop alone was purchased for a certain amount, it’s likely that the total price of $20-25 million was driven up by the acquisition of other assets such as Rowdy Manufacturing, various vehicles, and advanced technology.
Where does Spire Motorsports get their engines?
According to FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, Spire co-owner Jeff Dickerson has confirmed that they will continue to partner with Hendrick Motorsports and utilize their engines for the Cup side. In contrast, Trackhouse will be using engines built by ECR.
