With the NASCAR Cup Series 2025 season nearing its conclusion and Justin Haley preparing to leave Spire Motorsports, the team is under mounting pressure to identify top Spire Motorsports driver replacement candidates for the No. 7 Chevrolet. The upcoming offseason will be pivotal as the organization evaluates its best options to fill the soon-to-be-vacant spot and improve its competitive standing.
Daniel Suarez: Experienced Contender with Broad Appeal
Among the available drivers, Daniel Suarez emerges as the most sought-after free agent in the NASCAR Cup Series, with numerous potential paths for the 2026 season. Despite being open to offers since early summer, the Mexico-born Suarez has not committed to any team, leaving his future uncertain and the rumor mill active.
Suarez would bring tremendous value to Spire Motorsports, not only because of his race credentials but also by attracting support from thousands of Mexican fans. His resume boasts two Cup Series victories, playoff appearances, and stints with major NASCAR organizations. During his time at Joe Gibbs Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing, and Trackhouse Racing, Suarez has gained insights that could benefit Spire’s efforts to level up their program.
However, there could be lingering tension from his past altercation with current Spire driver Michael McDowell, which occurred six years ago at Phoenix Raceway. While the incident was notable, McDowell’s reputation as one of the sport’s most personable drivers may help keep old disagreements from interfering with team harmony.
Harrison Burton: Racing Pedigree Seeking Redemption
Harrison Burton, a second-generation driver and the son of 21-time Cup winner Jeff Burton, has had an unpredictable run in the Cup Series. After three inconsistent seasons with the Wood Brothers, Burton accepted a step down by joining AM Racing for a full 2025 season in the Xfinity Series.
Burton made the most of this new opportunity, accumulating ten top-10 finishes, two in the top five, and earning a spot in the playoffs. He celebrated his first Cup Series win during the penultimate race of the 2024 regular season, but his fate with the Wood Brothers had already been sealed as they confirmed he would not return for a fourth season.
Not only has Burton demonstrated an ability to win at the top level, but his record also includes four Xfinity Series victories over two years with Joe Gibbs Racing. With his recent announcement that he won’t continue with AM Racing in 2026, both he and Spire Motorsports could benefit from a collaboration that brings him back to Cup-level competition.
“pic.twitter.com/PaHZ5n2n7u — Harrison Burton (@HBurtonRacing) October 8, 2025”
— Harrison Burton, Driver
Riley Herbst: Rookie Facing Uncertain Future
Riley Herbst has arguably had the toughest season among full-time Cup Series competitors, struggling from the outset as a rookie with 23XI Racing. Consistently near the bottom of the driver rankings, Herbst’s difficulties have been magnified by the high expectations set by team co-owners Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin—both significant figures in the sport and broader sports community.
With potential legal disputes threatening 23XI Racing’s number of charters for next year, Herbst’s position appears precarious. Should the team be forced to downsize following the December resolution, Herbst, as the least established of his teammates, could lose his seat to more proven race winners like Tyler Reddick or Bubba Wallace.
If released, Herbst would not be an obvious frontrunner to replace Justin Haley at Spire Motorsports. However, his name is likely to be considered among a shortlist of Spire Motorsports driver replacement candidates, given the rapidly shrinking pool of available Cup-caliber drivers ahead of the 2026 season.
Implications for Spire Motorsports and the Nascar Cup Series
The search for Justin Haley’s replacement places Spire Motorsports under the spotlight as they decide on a potential path forward ahead of the 2026 campaign. Each candidate—Daniel Suarez for his experience and international following, Harrison Burton for his racing heritage and resilience, and Riley Herbst for his determination in adversity—offers distinct attributes that could shape the team’s future direction. As decisions loom and legal negotiations resolve across the series, the outcome will carry significant weight for both the team and the broader NASCAR community.
— Harrison Burton (@HBurtonRacing) October 8, 2025
