Spire Motorsports has confirmed that Justin Haley will leave the team at the close of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, beginning a search for a new Spire Motorsports driver replacement for 2026. This development follows a season where Haley managed only two top-10 results in 33 starts and ranked 31st in championship points.
Haley’s full-time journey with Spire was short, as he only joined the team for the last seven races of 2024 before taking the seat full-time in 2025. The organization is now evaluating potential options, focusing its attention on the No. 7 Chevrolet, as it hopes to strengthen its standing among up-and-coming NASCAR teams.
As speculation continues, NASCAR analyst Bob Pockrass stated,
“Justin Haley won’t return to the Spire No. 7 Cup car next season. TBD who replaces him. Daniel Suarez would be top candidate. TBD what Justin Haley does. Me thinking out loud: Wonder if return to Kaulig in a truck/Cup role would be a good fit.”
– Bob Pockrass, NASCAR Reporter
Daniel Suarez Leads as Top Prospect
Daniel Suarez has emerged as the most likely candidate to take over the No. 7 seat, according to Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic. Suarez brings a wealth of experience, with 320 starts and two Cup Series wins to his name. The veteran racer, after five seasons with Trackhouse Racing—a fellow Chevrolet team—could offer Spire a mix of veteran presence to complement Michael McDowell‘s seasoned approach and Carson Hocevar‘s youth.
Though Suarez’s results in recent seasons have varied, his familiarity with Chevrolet and full-time Cup racing could allow Spire to find stability as it continues to build its Cup program. The organization values his ability to bridge the gap between established competitors and emerging talents within its lineup.
Corey LaJoie as a Reliable Option
If Suarez cannot be secured, Corey LaJoie remains a notable alternative. LaJoie departed Spire mid-2024 to finish the season with Rick Ware Racing and currently has no full-time ride set for 2025 in any NASCAR division. Having previously competed with Spire for four seasons, LaJoie offers experience and a working knowledge of the organization’s structure, making him a reasonable interim solution should the search for a long-term driver extend beyond this offseason.
Although LaJoie’s record lacks standout achievements in the Cup Series, his history with Spire would allow for an easy transition and maintain the team’s balance of veteran knowledge and youthful enthusiasm, as seen with Hocevar and McDowell in their current roles.
Kyle Busch as a High-Profile Long-Shot
Kyle Busch is the most unexpected name under consideration, though his arrival remains improbable. Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion, allegedly had discussions with Spire in the past, even as his contract with Richard Childress Racing continues through 2026. Without a playoff berth for two straight years and enduring a winless streak, Busch could view a fresh start at Spire as a way to rejuvenate his storied career.
The potential for Busch to join Spire would carry significant weight in the NASCAR landscape due to his track record and the attention it would bring to the Spire Motorsports program. However, contractual commitments and timing cast uncertainty on this possibility.
This transition at Spire Motorsports, involving veteran candidates like Suarez, experienced hands such as LaJoie, and even the speculation around former champions like Busch, highlights the organization’s determination to reshape its Cup Series future. As Spire weighs its choices, the decision will influence its reputation among rising teams and may impact the broader driver market leading into 2026.
Justin Haley won’t return to the Spire No. 7 Cup car next season. TBD who replaces him. Daniel Suarez would be top candidate. TBD what Justin Haley does. Me thinking out loud: Wonder if return to Kaulig in a truck/Cup role would be a good fit.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 14, 2025
Spire Motorsports announces Justin Haley won't return to the team next year. No replacement named to drive the No. 7 Cup Series entry. Sources tell @TheAthletic, Daniel Suarez is considered a leading candidate.
— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) October 14, 2025
