Daniel Suarez will compete for Spire Motorsports NASCAR 2026, taking over the No. 7 Chevrolet in the Cup Series season, as confirmed on Wednesday. This move comes after Spire Motorsports’ announcement that Justin Haley, who is currently driving the No. 7, will not return after 2025.
Spire Motorsports’ New Lineup for 2026
Spire Motorsports officially revealed Daniel Suarez as the driver of the No. 7 Chevrolet for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series campaign. The team’s lineup will feature Suarez alongside Michael McDowell, a 40-year-old veteran, and Carson Hocevar, who is 22. At 33, Suarez brings both experience and the potential for growth, balancing the team’s age and talent range.
After previously announcing in July that he would leave Trackhouse Racing following the 2025 season, Suarez became the frontrunner for this seat, according to Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic. His addition marks a significant shift, as he prepares to embark on his tenth year in the Cup Series and his first with Spire, his fifth different team at this level.
¡Bienvenido, Amigo!@Daniel_SuarezG will pilot the No. 7 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026 with @Freeway_Ins serving as the anchor partner for the No. 7 team.: https://t.co/cuAY1u8OVY pic.twitter.com/wnfCQIYq5Q— Spire Motorsports (@SpireMotorsport) October 22, 2025
Transition after a Challenging Season
The transition to Spire marks a new beginning for Suarez after a tough 2025 season. Following his 2024 campaign, when he celebrated a race win and reached the second stage of the playoffs, Suarez’s 2025 performance dipped. With only seven top-10 finishes in the first 34 races, he stands 28th in the standings and posts an average finish of 20.9—his lowest since driving for Gaunt Brothers Racing back in 2020.
Despite these challenges, Spire Motorsports offers Suarez, a former Xfinity Series champion, fresh prospects. The organization is evolving, blending the experience of McDowell and the developing talent of Hocevar as it continues to make its mark in top-tier NASCAR competition.
Looking Ahead for Suarez and Spire Motorsports
As Suarez prepares to join Spire Motorsports for his milestone tenth Cup Series season, the partnership represents a pivotal opportunity. The move could reinvigorate his career as he seeks consistency and a return to contention—a narrative to watch as the 2026 season approaches. With @Freeway_Ins named as anchor partner for the No. 7, the team is setting its sights on becoming a notable force in the coming year.
¡Bienvenido, Amigo!@Daniel_SuarezG will pilot the No. 7 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026 with @Freeway_Ins serving as the anchor partner for the No. 7 team.
📰: https://t.co/cuAY1u8OVY pic.twitter.com/wnfCQIYq5Q
— Spire Motorsports (@SpireMotorsport) October 22, 2025
