Spire Motorsports has confirmed that Daniel Suárez will be the full-time driver of the No. 7 Chevrolet in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, taking over from Justin Haley, whose contract with the team concludes at the end of this season. This Justin Haley NASCAR replacement comes amid a period of change for Spire and a shifting driver market in NASCAR’s top ranks.
Daniel Suárez Steps in as the New No. 7 Driver
On Wednesday, Spire Motorsports revealed that Daniel Suárez will compete in the No. 7 Chevrolet throughout the 2026 season, with Freeway Insurance announced as the lead sponsor for the team. Spire, however, did not disclose who will serve as crew chief for Suárez. The move provides Suárez a seat after his own departure from Trackhouse Racing, which replaced him with 19-year-old Xfinity standout Connor Zilisch ahead of 2026. With other Trackhouse seats occupied by Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen, Suárez found himself without a ride—an all-too-common reality in the competitive Cup Series.
Suárez stated,
“Spire’s growth over the last few years is quite impressive,”
highlighting his enthusiasm for joining the organization. He further added,
“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 use my experience to help my team, and the entire company continue to grow.”
— Daniel Suárez, driver
The announcement welcomed Suárez to Spire, with the team celebrating the new partnership between the driver, the No. 7 Chevrolet, and Freeway Insurance as their anchor partner.
Why Suárez Lost His Trackhouse Ride
Suárez, now 33, first joined Trackhouse Racing in 2020, serving as the team’s marquee driver as it launched its single-car operation. The partnership paid off initially, leading to playoff campaigns in both 2022 and 2024. This past season, however, proved difficult; Suárez found himself ranked 28th in the Cup points standings after 34 races, having recorded just seven top-10 and two top-5 finishes, with an average result of 20.9. With Trackhouse seeking fresh momentum, the team chose to bring in rising star Connor Zilisch, while retaining both Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen in its lineup.
Justin Haley’s Tenure and Uncertain Future
While Suárez prepares to take over the No. 7, Justin Haley is set to part ways with Spire Motorsports after joining the team late last year in a swap with Rick Ware Racing that saw Corey LaJoie move in the opposite direction. Spire initially paired Haley with veteran crew chief Rodney Childers, hoping to spark a turnaround for the No. 7. However, their working relationship faltered, and Childers departed the team after just nine races. Throughout this season, Haley has struggled to find form, sitting in 31st place in the point standings, with only two top-10s and a single top-five to his name.
At 26 years old, Haley’s career path remains unsettled. He has yet to announce any plans for the 2026 season, but given his experience, there remains potential for him to secure opportunities either in the Cup Series or in another NASCAR division elsewhere.
What the Move Means for Spire Motorsports
Suárez’s arrival signals Spire’s commitment to steady progress and growth as a Cup organization. With a major sponsor in place and a driver motivated to harness his experience at the top level, Spire is betting on a revitalized program following a tumultuous period with Haley and crew changes. The choice also reflects the intensity and uncertainty pervading NASCAR’s driver landscape, as veterans and young talents negotiate contracts, sponsorships, and shifting team ambitions each season.
As the 2025 season heads toward its conclusion, attention will turn to how Suárez adapts to his new surroundings and whether Spire’s investment can yield stronger results in the ultra-competitive NASCAR Cup Series. For Justin Haley and those similarly impacted by the ongoing team reshuffles, the search for the next opportunity—whether in Cup or lower divisions—continues amid a tense and rapidly evolving landscape.
¡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
