Spire Motorsports has teamed up with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation (CRSF) and Monterrey native Daniel Suárez for a new collaboration that celebrates a pivotal season in NASCAR. The Spire Motorsports NASCAR partnership will debut at the highly anticipated Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C., marking Suárez’s debut campaign with the team and the beginning of a landmark year for both organizations.
Daniel Suárez Kicks Off First Season with Spire Motorsports
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series opener at Bowman Gray Stadium serves as the launchpad for this partnership, coinciding with Daniel Suárez’s first full-time season behind the wheel of Spire’s No. 7 car. The event not only signals Suárez’s ninth consecutive season competing at NASCAR’s highest level, but also celebrates the CRSF’s continued commitment to uplifting at-risk youth through sports and education.
CRSF’s Mission: Supporting Communities Nationwide
The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation focuses on building character, teaching life skills, and offering opportunities for underserved youth across the United States. Since joining forces with Group 1001 in 2018, the foundation has developed 17 Youth Development Parks and launched 20 STEM centers, providing tens of thousands of children with safe spaces to learn and grow. The two organizations have also organized four Community Enhancement Projects nationwide, impacting the lives of over 100,000 young people.
“I want to thank Dan Towriss and the Gainbridge team for this exciting partnership with Spire Motorsports and Daniel Suarez,”
said Cal Ripken, Jr., Hall of Famer and Co-Founder of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation. He continued,
“Dan has been an incredibly generous and integral part of our board and this is just another example of that. The partnership with Spire and Daniel will take our 25th anniversary celebration to a new level and expose the work of the foundation to many more. The fact that he is driving the number seven car, dad’s old number, makes it that much more special. I look forward to cheering on Daniel and watching him in person at a race later this year.”
Daniel Suárez: Making History On and Off the Track
Daniel Suárez’s renowned trajectory began in the NASCAR Mexico Series and ARCA Menards Series East, before his full-time arrival to the United States racing scene with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2014. He earned the 2016 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (then Xfinity Series) championship, making history as the first Mexican-born driver to win a NASCAR national title. In 2025, Suárez claimed an emotional victory at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez during the Cup Series’ debut in Mexico City, further establishing his status as a trailblazer.
Entering 2026, the 34-year-old veteran tallies over 300 starts in the Cup Series, highlighted by victories at Sonoma Raceway in 2022 and Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2024, as well as a combined 24 top-five and 75 top-10 finishes. Since his senior circuit debut in 2017, Suárez has led 907 laps and secured three poles, continuing to inspire fans and future drivers alike.
“Cal Ripken, Sr. had an amazing career and left behind an incredible legacy,”
said Suárez. He added,
“The work the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation is doing to support younger generations, especially through its STEM programs and educational initiatives, is truly remarkable. I’m a strong believer in the next generation and seeing the positive impact these programs have on youth is inspiring. I’m very excited to be a part of this partnership and to start off at the Clash will be incredible.”
A Partnership to Drive Community Impact and Racing Success
The CRSF will act as the primary partner for the No. 7 Spire Motorsports team at select 2026 races, aligning with the foundation’s milestone 25th anniversary. The foundation’s unwavering vision for youth empowerment, strengthened by support from partners like Group 1001 and Dan Towriss, is poised to reach new audiences through its presence on the NASCAR stage. For the foundation, Suárez’s involvement represents a unique opportunity for cultural connection and expanded visibility, as he pilots a car featuring the number seven, a nod to Cal Ripken, Sr.’s own racing number.
The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium Opens the 2026 NASCAR Season
NASCAR’s annual pre-season exhibition event, The Clash, will usher in the new motorsports year at Bowman Gray Stadium on Sunday, February 1, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. The race will be broadcast live on FOX with additional live coverage from Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, promising a high-energy start for fans and competitors alike.
Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation’s Continuing Mission
In its 25th year, the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation remains dedicated to transforming underserved and struggling neighborhoods across America. The foundation’s core initiatives include building new recreational facilities, launching STEM programs in schools and community centers, and reinforcing relationships between law enforcement and youth agencies. In 2025 alone, CRSF reached more than 1.4 million children, making measurable strides in community well-being and development. Additional information about its ongoing work and future goals is available on the foundation’s official website.
Spire Motorsports: A Fast-Growing NASCAR Competitor
Based in Mooresville, North Carolina, Spire Motorsports has quickly become a formidable presence in NASCAR’s top series. The team, led by Jeff Dickerson and TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss, made history with a Cup Series win from Justin Haley in their debut season at Daytona International Speedway in 2019 and later celebrated further triumphs when William Byron and Rajah Caruth took victories in the Truck Series.
For the 2026 racing year, Spire Motorsports will campaign three cars—Nos. 7, 71, and 77— in the Cup Series and two Silverado RST entries in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The organization is also active in the High Limit Racing circuit, expanding its reach and competitiveness across the country.
Outlook for 2026: Racing, Community, and Legacy
This new partnership signals not only Spire Motorsports’ pursuit of racing excellence, but also a shared commitment with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation to leave a positive imprint on communities and young lives across the nation. With Daniel Suárez leading the charge on the track and a strong philanthropic mission behind the scenes, both organizations look to inspire action, celebrate legacy, and generate excitement throughout this milestone NASCAR season.
