Mamba Smith, a NASCAR insider and co-host of Kevin Harvick‘s Happy Hour podcast, revealed in a YouTube video that the former NASCAR champion was aware of significant changes looming for Spire Motorsports following the Easter break. Smith emphasized that while Harvick sensed something was amiss, he did not foresee the departure of his former crew chief, Rodney Childers, from the team.
During an episode of NASCAR Daily, Smith shared insights from his conversation with the 2014 Cup champion shortly before Childers’ exit from Spire Motorsports. He clarified that although Harvick had an inkling that changes were on the horizon, the ultimate outcome took him by surprise.
Smith noted that Childers’ departure from Spire was not unprecedented, as the organization has a history of making mid-season adjustments. For instance, last year, Spire executed a driver swap with Rick Ware Racing, where Justin Haley joined to drive the #7 Spire car, while Corey LaJoie took the wheel of the #51 Rick Ware machine.
Smith believes that Spire Motorsports is willing to make bold decisions to address issues, even in the midst of a season, indicating that the organization prioritizes quick fixes for its challenges.
Rodney Childers was previously the crew chief for Kevin Harvick at Stewart-Haas Racing from 2014 until 2023. This combination secured the championship in their debut season together and celebrated a total of 37 victories before Harvick’s retirement at the end of the 2023 season.
Following his departure from Spire Motorsports ahead of this weekend’s race at Talladega, Childers will no longer serve as the crew chief for Justin Haley in the NASCAR Cup Series. Reflecting on his exit, the former champion crew chief expressed gratitude for his time in the sport, while acknowledging that the circumstances of his departure would be unexpected for many.
In a detailed post on X, Childers emphasized that his exit was a result of circumstances not aligning for him or Spire Motorsports. He shared his appreciation for his time in the sport but admitted that his future in NASCAR remains uncertain.
After Kevin Harvick’s retirement, Childers continued with Stewart-Haas Racing until 2024, taking on the role of crew chief for Josh Berry. Over the course of this season, he worked with Justin Haley for nine races prior to his departure.
The recent developments within Spire Motorsports signal a time of transition, and how the situation unfolds could impact not only the team’s performance but also the dynamics of the NASCAR Cup Series as a whole. Fans and insiders alike are keen to see what the future holds as the series approaches the upcoming races.
