Spire Motorsports driver changes are set to make a major impact on the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, as Justin Haley and the team announced that their partnership will end after the season finale at Phoenix Raceway on November 2. While Haley’s departure creates a significant vacancy, anticipation is building around who will be chosen to drive the No. 7 Chevrolet, with Daniel Suárez emerging as a top contender for the sought-after seat.
Haley’s Departure Brings Uncertainty and Opportunity
Justin Haley, who joined Spire Motorsports in September 2024 and began his full-time Cup career with Kaulig Racing in 2022, will not return next season. The decision came after a 2025 campaign that did not meet the elevated expectations set when Haley was brought on board to elevate the team’s competitiveness. The official announcement was made jointly by Haley and the team on Tuesday, confirming that their paths would diverge after the season’s final race at Phoenix.
This is a decision that was not taken lightly,
said Jeff Dickerson, Spire Motorsports co-owner, via press release.
“Justin has been a member of the Spire family since he was a teenager. We’ve watched him grow from a young driver trying to make his mark in the sport to a proven winner. He helped strengthen our organization into what it is today.”
Haley’s brief but meaningful tenure with Spire saw him attempt to help transform the group into a stronger force in the Cup Series, although the full vision did not play out as planned. His contributions included winning races and returning to Spire after prior experience in the series, all while earning respect across the NASCAR garage.
He made us winners and returned home after forging his own path in the Cup Series. Justin is the embodiment of a true racer who has quietly become a respected competitor within the NASCAR garage and will be an incredible asset to his next team.
– Jeff Dickerson, Spire Motorsports co-owner
Search for the Next No. 7 Driver Intensifies
As of now, Spire Motorsports has not revealed who will replace Haley in the driver’s seat but confirmed that more details will be shared in the future. According to reporting by Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic, Daniel Suárez, a veteran NASCAR driver and soon-to-be former Trackhouse Racing talent, is among those strongly in the mix for the No. 7 spot. Suárez himself has been exploring options after it was revealed that Connor Zilisch would take over his seat at Trackhouse in 2026.
Suárez, a proven competitor with multiple seasons of Cup experience, recently hinted to Saajan Jogia of Newsweek that he expects to announce his 2026 plans soon, saying that “things are looking good.” While earlier reports suggested that the Xfinity Series was a possible destination for Suárez, the opening at Spire now appears to offer a timely and perhaps more prestigious opportunity.
Spire’s Ambitions and Remaining Lineup
Beyond the open No. 7 seat, Spire Motorsports features Michael McDowell and Carson Hocevar, both of whom have demonstrated growing consistency and potential throughout the 2025 season. The organization has signaled its commitment to growth and willingness to make significant moves to secure the right drivers as it aims to become a top-tier team in NASCAR’s elite series. The arrival of new talent, particularly if it is someone with the experience of Suárez, could mark a turning point in Spire’s ongoing development.
Looking Ahead: Impacts and Key Questions
Haley’s upcoming departure and the search for his successor have made Spire Motorsports a focal point as the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series approaches. While the official announcement of the next No. 7 driver is still pending, high-profile candidates are in the conversation, and the team’s direction signals both ambition and adaptability. As the season finale draws near, both Spire and drivers like Suárez face critical decisions that could reshape their futures in stock car racing, keeping fans, teams, and industry insiders watching closely for the next move.
