Spire Motorsports has announced an updated lineup of crew chiefs and key staff for its 2026 racing campaign, affecting both NASCAR Cup Series and Craftsman Truck Series teams. The Spire Motorsports 2026 crew chief changes, detailed on the team’s official X account, take effect with the start of the new racing season at Daytona International Speedway in Florida.
Key Leadership Shifts for the 2026 Cup and Truck Series Teams
For the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, Matt McCall transitions from his previous role as Director of Vehicle Performance to become Spire Motorsports’ new Competition Director, overseeing overall team strategy. The individuals managing the pit boxes for the three Cup entries remain the same, with Ryan Sparks, Travis Peterson, and Luke Lambert continuing as crew chiefs for the 7, 71, and 77 cars respectively. On the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series side, Spire has promoted Kevin “Bono” Manion, who formerly served as the No. 71 truck’s crew chief, to Competition Director. Brian Pattie and Chad Walter retain their positions managing the 7 and 77 truck teams.
“These guys will lead the charge in 2026,”
Spire Motorsports on X wrote of its new crew chief lineup. – Spire Motorsports on X
These staffing changes will debut during major February events: the Truck Series race on February 13 and the Cup Series event on February 1, both at Daytona International Speedway. The official points season will commence with the 58th running of the Daytona 500, scheduled for February 15, 2026. Racing enthusiasts can follow the action live on FOX Sports at 2:30 pm ET or tune in via MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio for full coverage.
Expansion into the Kubota High Limit Racing Circuit
Looking beyond NASCAR, Spire Motorsports has set sights on the Kubota High Limit Racing circuit in 2026. Owner Jeff Dickerson has shared his enthusiasm about re-engaging with short-track competition—an ambition fueled by alliances with notable figures such as Giovanni Scelzi, son of NHRA champion Gary Scelzi, and crew chief Eric Prutzman. These collaborations will enable the team to launch a new Sprint Car entry for the upcoming season.
“It was made at the right time, you know, with what Brad (Sweet) and Kyle (Larson) have done with the charter system and the High Limit deal,”
Dickerson said in a statement (via FloRacing).
“Certainly we have lots of experience on the charter stuff in the NASCAR world. So it was timing, obviously, and you have the charter system, you had Jason Meyers wanting to do something different.”
– Jeff Dickerson, Spire Motorsports Owner
Acquisition of JMR Franchise for the Upcoming Sprint Car Season
Jason Meyers, owner of Jason Meyers Racing (JMR), has competed in the High Limit Racing circuit, previously fielding drivers like Cory Day and Justin Sanders. Ahead of 2026, Meyers transferred the 9 Card franchise to Spire Motorsports, clearing the path for the team’s expanded involvement in the series.
“When all those things kind of come together, sometimes these decisions get made for you, right?”
Dickerson added. – Jeff Dickerson, Spire Motorsports Owner
According to sources, Dickerson paid over $400,000 to acquire the series membership card from Meyers. The new High Limit Racing season will open at Las Vegas Motor Speedway from March 12 through 15 and conclude with final events at Texas Motor Speedway on October 16 and 17.
What to Expect for the 2026 Season
Spire Motorsports’ leadership updates and expanded racing ambitions signal a pivotal year for the team, with familiar crew chiefs bringing continuity to their Cup and Truck Series efforts and new Sprint Car opportunities. Fans can anticipate a busy season starting in February, featuring high-profile events at tracks such as Daytona International Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and Texas Motor Speedway. With figures like Matt McCall, Ryan Sparks, Travis Peterson, Luke Lambert, Kevin Manion, Brian Pattie, Chad Walter, and Jeff Dickerson shaping strategies for 2026, Spire Motorsports aims to make a strong impression across multiple racing platforms.
These guys will lead the charge in 2026. pic.twitter.com/j34U579Wos
— Spire Motorsports (@SpireMotorsport) December 12, 2025
