Spire Motorsports has released its crew chief lineup and competition leadership for the coming NASCAR season, but the absence of Chris Gabehart, a prominent figure expected to join, has fans puzzled. This announcement comes as the team finalizes roles across its Cup and Truck Series programs, making its Spire Motorsports crew chief lineup a central topic ahead of 2026.
New Leadership Announced for Cup and Truck Series Teams
The new structure at Spire Motorsports features Matt McCall stepping in as the Cup Series Competition Director. Crew chiefs for the Cup Series cars will be Ryan Sparks for the No. 7, Travis Peterson for the No. 71, and Luke Lambert for the No. 77. On the Truck Series side, Kevin Bono Manion is named Competition Director, with Brian Pattie managing the No. 7 and Chad Walter heading the No. 77 as crew chiefs. Driver assignments for the Truck Series remain unannounced, but the team has expressed confidence in the assembled leadership group.
“These guys will lead the charge in 2026. pic.twitter.com/j34U579Wos”
—Spire Motorsports (@SpireMotorsport)
Fan Speculation Over Gabehart’s Whereabouts
With Chris Gabehart departing Joe Gibbs Racing, speculation had swirled that he would land a key position at Spire Motorsports, possibly as their new competition director. Gabehart previously held that competition director role at Joe Gibbs, and his industry reputation made him a leading candidate for Spire’s expanding operations. However, the official announcement omitted any mention of Gabehart, fueling questions about his next move. It is unclear whether he might still join Spire in a different capacity or if the rumors linking him to the organization were inaccurate.
The uncertainty has left NASCAR fans and insiders guessing about Gabehart’s future, as his next steps remain publicly unknown.
Sparks to Oversee New Direction for the No. 7 Car
One of the notable developments is Ryan Sparks retaining his role as crew chief, this time preparing the No. 7 car for Daniel Suárez in 2026. Sparks has experience with a range of drivers, including Corey LaJoie and Justin Haley, both of whom contributed to Spire’s building efforts. The decision to pair Sparks with Suárez has drawn mixed reactions among Spire fans, who are looking for tangible results and improvements for the storied car.
Daniel Suárez brings Cup Series-winning experience to the No. 7 team, replacing the younger but promising Justin Haley. Suárez’s proven record offers optimism, but many believe performance improvements under Sparks will be needed to meet expectations.
Team Alliances and Technical Considerations
Spire Motorsports maintains a close relationship with Hendrick Motorsports, fostering technical collaboration and access to valuable data. Meanwhile, Trackhouse Racing, the former home of Suárez, has experienced a performance downturn with ECR engines—an issue also cited by drivers at Kaulig and Richard Childress Racing last season. Spire’s organizational alignment potentially offers Suárez race day advantages that were lacking at his previous team.
Looking Forward to 2026 and Beyond
As 2026 approaches, Spire Motorsports is positioning itself with significant resources and leadership changes in both the Cup and Truck Series. The focus keyword, ‘Spire Motorsports crew chief lineup,’ reflects a period of transition and anticipation as new talent steps up and fans await news on Chris Gabehart’s next career move. With alliances, experienced crew chiefs, and a high-profile driver pairing, the organization aims to improve its competitive standing and deliver results that will meet or surpass rising expectations in the upcoming season.
These guys will lead the charge in 2026. pic.twitter.com/j34U579Wos
— Spire Motorsports (@SpireMotorsport) December 12, 2025
