Spire Motorsports NASCAR announcement rocked the racing world on Wednesday, revealing Daniel Suárez as the new driver for the team’s No. 7 Chevrolet starting in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. The Mexican-born racer steps into the seat after Justin Haley‘s planned departure, aiming to build on Spire’s rapid progress under team owners Jeff Dickerson and Dan Towriss.
Spire Motorsports Welcomes Daniel Suárez After Haley Departure
Daniel Suárez, after five competitive years piloting Trackhouse Racing’s No. 99 Chevrolet, will take over from Justin Haley at Spire Motorsports for the 2026 NASCAR campaign. Haley, who previously helped the team capture its inaugural Cup Series win at Daytona International Speedway in 2019, will leave his post at the end of the current season per an announcement made on October 14.
Suárez’s arrival not only signifies a switch in driving talent but underscores Spire Motorsports’ intention to elevate its profile within the Cup Series. Starting with the 2026 Daytona 500, the No. 7 Chevrolet will feature Freeway Insurance as the team’s anchor partner, bringing substantial sponsorship and visibility to both Suárez and Spire going forward.
Suárez’s Racing Journey to Spire’s Growing Program
Before joining Spire, Daniel Suárez carved out a resilient and historic path at Trackhouse Racing, securing two Cup Series victories—including his breakthrough as the first Mexican-born winner in NASCAR’s premier division by taking the checkered flag at Sonoma Raceway in 2022. During his tenure at Trackhouse, Suárez twice secured a place in the postseason Playoffs, qualifying in 2022 and 2024. While this year did not yield a playoff position, he achieved two top-five finishes and currently stands 28th in the points.
Spire’s growth over the last few years is quite impressive,
Suárez, Driver
That’s something I have mentioned to every single member who I have talked to at Spire Motorsports. I’m sure I’m not the only person who can see that, and I’m excited to be part of it now. I know that even with the growth Spire has had the last few years, it hasn’t reached its full potential just yet. There is a lot more out there to achieve, and I want to be part of that. I want to be part of that growth and hopefully use my experience to help my team and the entire company continue to grow.
Suárez, Driver
Spire, since its entry into the Cup Series in 2019, has steadily increased its competitiveness and expanded to a three-car roster as of 2024. The team’s only Cup Series victory so far came with Haley, but with new talent and partnerships onboard, hopes are high for future achievements. In 2024, Suárez will partner as a teammate with Michael McDowell, a veteran in the series, and Carson Hocevar, recognized as the year’s top rookie. Although all three Spire drivers fell short of playoff contention this season, their varying levels of experience shape an interesting dynamic for the coming years.
Career Foundations and Future Prospects for Suárez
Daniel Suárez’s career began in the NASCAR México Series and the ARCA Menards Series East, leading to a championship in the Xfinity Series in 2016. His strong showing prompted a promotion to top-level NASCAR competition following Carl Edwards’ retirement from Joe Gibbs Racing. Subsequent stints at Stewart-Haas Racing and Gaunt Brothers Racing expanded his Cup experience before he joined Justin Marks’ newly founded Trackhouse Racing in 2021.
The recent change at Trackhouse Racing—announced on July 1 as a mutually agreed separation—opened the door for newcomer Connor Zilisch to vie for Rookie of the Year in 2026. Meanwhile, Suárez brings both his international and national racing credentials to Spire, joining an operation eager to harness its evident growth potential and contend for further Cup Series success.
The Road Ahead: New Drivers and Team Ambitions
Looking toward 2026, Suárez’s integration alongside Michael McDowell and Carson Hocevar signals Spire’s commitment to a refreshed driver lineup capable of competing at the highest level. The team’s backbone in sponsorship from Freeway Insurance and support from owners like Dan Towriss and Jeff Dickerson adds to the optimism for the coming seasons.
With Justin Haley departing and young talents such as Connor Zilisch emerging, the NASCAR Cup Series landscape continues to evolve. All eyes will be on Spire Motorsports and Daniel Suárez as they seek to convert years of tireless growth into tangible results, setting sights on climbing higher in the series standings and chasing further playoff berths and victories.
