Daniel Suarez will make a significant shift in his NASCAR journey as he joins Spire Motorsports for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, taking over the No. 7 Chevrolet seat from Justin Haley. This move signals a pivotal moment in the sport, as Daniel Suarez joins Spire Motorsports following his five-year stint with Trackhouse Racing, aiming to revitalize his career and contribute to Spire’s ongoing transformation.
Suarez’s Transition and Spire’s Ambitions
Daniel Suarez’s move comes after Trackhouse Racing, led by Justin Marks, opted to release him in favor of rising star Connor Zilisch. Despite being a two-time Cup Series winner, Suarez found himself navigating an uncertain future until Spire Motorsports recruited him, ending weeks of speculation about his next destination. Now, the former Xfinity champion is set to partner with Michael McDowell and Carson Hocevar for the 2026 season, forming a robust Chevrolet lineup.
Suarez has expressed deep respect for Spire Motorsports and its rapid emergence in the competitive NASCAR landscape. During an interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, he shared his perspective on the team’s strategic growth and successes:
“They have become so strong that in my opinion, they are the fastest-growing team in NASCAR. I mean, if they win a race right now, nobody will be surprised, right? Like they just got a pole position last week. So I think that they haven’t just grown so much. They have invested in so many great people. They have great partners, alliance, technical alliance partners as well. So I just, when I see a Spire Motorsports, I see them in essence, progressive and getting better and better every single year. And I want to be part of that.” – Daniel Suarez, NASCAR Driver
Series Experience and Suarez’s Value to Spire
Drawing on his extensive experience in the stock-car racing series, Suarez believes he brings vital insights and a winning culture to Spire’s team environment. Having spent nearly a decade at NASCAR’s highest level, Suarez reflected on the value he can add as a veteran:
“I have seen the progress that I have made. And I’m not really, you know, I’m not new into sport anymore. You know, I’ve been doing this already for seven, eight years. And I feel like I can bring a lot to a table. You know, I know what is required on a race team, people wise and chemistry and systems and progress to be able to be successful.” – Daniel Suarez, NASCAR Driver
With a reputation built on determination and adaptability, Suarez’s decision to join the Jeff Dickerson-owned Spire Motorsports suggests a mutual belief in the potential for success. Spire Motorsports, known for nurturing talented drivers, has been improving its operations and resources, aligning with Suarez’s ambitions at this stage in his career.
Spire Motorsports Seeks Consistency and Execution
Team owner Jeff Dickerson has openly addressed the current challenges facing the No. 7 outfit, acknowledging the need for more consistent execution on race days. He believes that while the car has demonstrated strong pace, converting speed into results requires a composed and skilled driver. Dickerson commented further on what Suarez’s arrival means for the team:
“We’re not like a problem that needs to be solved anymore. We’ve got the speed. We need the execution. I think maybe in our group we’re starting to learn what makes it tick and what doesn’t make it tick. If he (Suarez) can just be himself, just be steady he’s capable of winning races and running in the top five. He’s a fighter.” – Jeff Dickerson, Owner, Spire Motorsports
This endorsement signals Dickerson’s confidence that Suarez can deliver not just results but also steady leadership within a team ready to move up the NASCAR pecking order. Spire’s technical alliances and recent investments position them as a team on the verge of making consistent top finishes a reality.
Suarez’s Record and What Lies Ahead
Since joining the NASCAR Cup Series nearly nine years ago, Daniel Suarez has recorded two Cup wins and accumulated 74 top-10 finishes. In the current season alone, Suarez has notched two top-five and seven top-10 results in 34 starts, underlining his ability to compete consistently in a challenging field. As he prepares for the transition to Spire Motorsports, Suarez will continue striving for strong performances, with the upcoming Martinsville playoff race scheduled for Sunday, October 26, offering another opportunity to showcase his talent.
Looking ahead, the alliance between Suarez and Spire Motorsports will be closely watched by fans and analysts. With both parties aiming for greater success and continued progression in the NASCAR Cup Series, their partnership could alter the competitive landscape and set a benchmark for future driver-team collaborations. As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Daniel Suarez as he seeks to propel Spire Motorsports into contention and reaffirm his status among the top drivers in NASCAR.
7⃣ @Daniel_SuarezG likes what he's seen out of @SpireMotorsport the last few years and is excited to join the team to take them to greater heights.
📈 "I see them progressing and getting better every single year. And I want to be part of that."
More → https://t.co/MKhd9eLpQA pic.twitter.com/eODMyEIr12
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) October 22, 2025
