Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently addressed Justin Haley‘s performance with Spire Motorsports in 2025, revealing concerns over the driver’s struggles after losing his crew chief. Dale Earnhardt Jr. comments on Justin Haley’s 2025 NASCAR struggles during an episode of his Dale Jr. Download podcast, reflecting on Haley’s challenges and the impact of Rodney Childers’ sudden exit from the team.
Justin Haley’s Recent Season and Team Changes
Justin Haley first entered the NASCAR Cup Series with Spire Motorsports in 2019, making an immediate impression by driving part-time and demonstrating notable skill. After his rookie year, Haley participated with multiple teams and proved himself as a competitive driver. For much of the 2024 season, he raced with Rick Ware Racing and achieved several top-ten placements. However, near the end of 2024, he returned to Spire Motorsports, where he has faced unexpected difficulties adapting to his new team environment.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Reflects on Crew Chief Departure and Haley’s Results
On his podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. described Haley as a strong free agent and highlighted his adjustments since leaving Rick Ware Racing. He emphasized the significance of Rodney Childers departing the crew chief role after only nine races with Spire Motorsports. This change left Haley searching for momentum with the team and may have contributed to his decline on track.
“Justin Haley was a good free agent in this sport. He drove for Rick Ware and did some pretty interesting, solid, and pretty curious runs in that car. And he has leveraged that into this opportunity at Spire. But since he’s been there, it has been awful. It’s been bad.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Former NASCAR Cup Series Driver
“Rodney got out of there, we’ll never really know, Rodney is not going to tell his side of the story. He’s never going to say anything negative about anybody, and the Spire guys aren’t going to say anything bad about Rodney. We’ll never know what happened there, but I think that derailed Haley a little bit,”
Earnhardt added. —Dale Earnhardt Jr., Former NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Since Rodney Childers’ exit, Ryan Sparks has taken command of the #7 Chevy Camaro ZL1. Under his guidance, the team has managed only a single top-15 finish. Haley now sits at 29th in the Cup Series points table, holding 234 points, which places him as the lowest-ranking driver among the three from Spire Motorsports.
Rodney Childers Responds to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Father’s Documentary
Earlier in May, former Spire Motorsports crew chief Rodney Childers shared his honest perspective about the “Earnhardt” documentary, which chronicles Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s racing legacy. Childers admitted that the last two episodes were emotionally challenging, especially as they depicted key moments in NASCAR history.
“So hard to watch the final two episodes. Lots of days and nights I don’t want to remember. But so amazing to see and remember where the sport was at during that point. So incredible. Great job on this by @DaleJr @KellyEarnhardt @NASCAR and everyone @PrimeVideo”
—Rodney Childers, Former Spire Motorsports Crew Chief
The third episode focuses on Earnhardt Sr.’s dominance during the 1990s, culminating in his memorable Daytona 500 win. The last episode addresses the tragic event at the 2001 Daytona 500, when Earnhardt Sr. passed away on the final lap at Daytona International Speedway.
Following his father‘s legacy, Dale Earnhardt Jr. participated in the Daytona 500 over his career, capturing two victories in 2004 and 2014. He also secured the pole at the historic race in 2011 while racing for Hendrick Motorsports.
Looking Ahead for Justin Haley and Spire Motorsports
The 2025 season presents ongoing challenges for Justin Haley as he continues with Spire Motorsports following significant team changes. With his crew chief position altered and a difficult start to his return, Haley now faces the tough task of regaining his competitive edge and improving his standing. NASCAR fans are watching closely to see how he—and the team—respond under the current leadership of Ryan Sparks.
