Spire Motorsports is set for a major change as they search for a new driver to fill the No. 7 car, following the decision that Justin Haley will leave at the end of the current Cup Series season. The focus keyword, Spire Motorsports driver replacement, has gained prominence, with Daniel Suarez now emerging as the top contender to take over next year, according to recent insider reports.
Uncertain Futures for Justin Haley and Daniel Suarez
Both Justin Haley and Daniel Suarez have experienced difficult seasons in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, and each faces the end of their current rides. Trackhouse Racing will move forward without Suarez, recently selecting Conor Zilisch as his replacement for 2026. Meanwhile, Spire Motorsports officially announced Haley’s exit but has yet to name who will fill the coveted spot in the No. 7 entry for 2026.
The list of candidates for Spire is reportedly limited due to Chevrolet‘s availability pool. Senior NASCAR journalist Jordan Bianchi from The Athletic has reported that Daniel Suarez is the front-runner in discussions about who will assume Haley’s spot:
“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 The Athletic, Daniel Suarez is considered a leading candidate.”
— Jordan Bianchi, Senior NASCAR Journalist, The Athletic
The repeated confirmations from various NASCAR news sources further highlight that Suarez is indeed in strong consideration, though Spire has made no official statement about their final choice.
Performance Comparison: Suarez and Haley’s 2025 Seasons
Daniel Suarez, though a proven performer in previous years and a playoff driver for Trackhouse Racing, has seen a significant dip in form during the 2025 season. Currently ranked 28th in the Cup Series standings, Suarez trails his teammates, both of whom have clinched victories and playoff spots. So far, he has scored seven top-10 finishes and two top-5s—a sharp contrast from his earlier seasons marked by multiple Cup race wins.
Justin Haley, the former Daytona race winner, has also struggled with subpar equipment at Spire Motorsports. Despite his experience, he has managed only two top-10 finishes this season, with his best result being third at Daytona. More than 60% of his races have ended outside the top-20, emphasizing the challenging year.
Reflections from Spire Motorsports Ownership on Haley’s Departure
The statistical struggles of Haley do not tell the entire story of his relationship with Spire. Team co-owner Jeff Dickerson elaborated on the difficult nature of the decision to part ways with the driver, who has been with the organization since his teenage years:
“This is a decision that was not taken lightly. 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.”
— Jeff Dickerson, Co-Owner, Spire Motorsports
Haley’s time at Spire saw the team rise from a lower-tier to a competitive midfield presence, with his progression viewed as integral to this transformation. Dickerson continued by recognizing the racer’s character and what he brings to any team environment:
“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, Co-Owner, Spire Motorsports
Why Spire Motorsports May Choose Suarez
While Haley’s performance has not reached expectations, the decision to move on appears to be more complex than results alone. Dickerson’s comments indicate that factors like team fit and broader market appeal influenced the move. With Daniel Suarez being a sought-after name and able to draw interest from sponsors, Spire may see this as a chance to match on-track potential with improved revenue streams—something especially pertinent for a team aiming to climb from the midfield pack.
There is also the dynamic of competition within the team. Carson Hocevar, a strong performer in the Spire lineup, has outshone expectations, making it challenging for Haley to stand out. This context suggests the team is not only seeking better race results but also a refreshed image and commercial opportunities heading into a new era.
Looking Ahead at the Driver Market and Team Plans
As Spire Motorsports moves toward finalizing its plans for the 2026 season, the decision of who will replace Justin Haley underscores the shifting landscape in the NASCAR Cup Series. With Suarez’s track record—including playoff appearances and race wins—he remains a compelling prospect to bring both competitiveness and marketability to Spire.
The next steps will hinge on contract negotiations and official announcements, with team leadership weighing both performance history and future business partnerships. The conclusion of the current NASCAR season is likely to bring clarity as Spire aims to solidify its position in a fiercely competitive paddock, fueled by the prospect of a fresh driver lineup and the evolving ambitions of its organization and sponsors.
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
