Spire Motorsports is preparing for the upcoming preseason NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, aiming to improve their performance with drivers Daniel Suárez, Michael McDowell, and Carson Hocevar leading their lineup. This Spire Motorsports NASCAR Clash Update spotlights the team’s recent history, the ambitions of its drivers, and their partners as they usher in a new era for the Mooresville-based organization.
Reviewing Past Efforts and Lineup Changes
Out of ten attempts at the annual NASCAR pre-season exhibition race, Spire Motorsports has qualified twice for the main event. Most recently, Carson Hocevar, piloting the No. 77 Zeigler Automotive Group Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, finished 16th at last year’s Clash, a modest yet notable milestone for the growing team. For 2025, Spire will field a trio of Chevys: the Nos. 7, 71, and 77, spearheaded by Daniel Suárez, Michael McDowell, and Carson Hocevar respectively. This marks a significant step, particularly as Suárez begins his first season with Spire after an established Cup Series tenure.
Television Coverage and Race Details
The highly anticipated NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium will be broadcast live on FOX on Sunday, February 1, at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Fans can also tune in via the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. The pre-race program, NASCAR Raceday on FOX, begins at 7:30 p.m. EST, setting the stage for an exciting evening at one of NASCAR’s most historic venues.
Daniel Suárez’s Debut with Spire Motorsports
Daniel Suárez will command the No. 7 Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in his debut Clash run for Spire Motorsports. Marking his 10th full-time season in the top series, Suárez enters with 323 career Cup starts, tallying two victories, 24 top-five finishes, 75 top-10s, 907 laps led, and three poles. His previous Clash experiences include an eighth-place result at Daytona in 2017, a top-10 in 2019, and a top-five at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 2023. Last year, he finished 18th in the inaugural Clash at Bowman Gray.
The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, appearing for the first time in 2026 on the No. 7, is committed to enhancing opportunities for underserved youth. Since 2018, in tandem with Group 1001, the foundation has supported the construction of 17 youth development parks and implementation of 20 STEM centers, impacting over 100,000 youths nationwide with a focus on education and healthy lifestyles.
When reflecting on this partnership, Suárez emphasized its importance:
“Cal Ripken, Sr. had an amazing career and the legacy he left behind, especially the work the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, is doing to support younger generations through their STEM programs and education, is truly remarkable. I am personally a very big believer in the younger generation and to see how they impact the youth is unbelievable. I’m thrilled to be a part of this partnership.”
– Daniel Suárez, Driver, No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
For Suárez, the Clash offers an opportunity to set the season’s tone and refine team communication. He acknowledged,
“I’m really eager to get started this year. The first Clash is especially important because it’s our first race to focus on communication and how we talk through the car and whether it’s handling tight or loose. I’m looking forward to seeing where we stack up, how we can make progress throughout the weekend, and how this will set the tone for the 2026 season.”
– Daniel Suárez, Driver, No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Suárez’s results at Bowman Gray and other short tracks add depth to Spire’s competitive arsenal, setting a foundation of optimism.
Crew Chief Leadership for the No. 7 Team
Ryan Sparks remains at the helm as crew chief for Daniel Suárez’s No. 7 squad heading into the 2026 season. With over 200 NASCAR Cup Series races under his belt, Sparks brings valuable experience and familiarity to Spire. His previous stints include serving as crew chief to Corey LaJoie and Justin Haley, where he oversaw impressive results and built a solid reputation for strategic acumen.
Michael McDowell Returns with New Momentum
Michael McDowell will again take control of the No. 71 Workforce Operational Health and Safety Solutions Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Spire Motorsports. Entering his second season with the team, McDowell is coming off a notable year featuring two poles—one being Spire’s first in history at Las Vegas—alongside a breakthrough stage win at Chicago.
The 41-year-old has amassed eight poles, two Cup Series wins, 14 top-five, and 50 top-10 finishes over his decade-long career. In 2025, McDowell set team records with three top-five and six top-10s, as well as the highest points total (734) in Spire’s history. However, in last year’s Clash at Bowman Gray, he finished fifth in the Last Chance Qualifier, narrowly missing the main event.
Approaching this year’s Clash, McDowell shared his thoughts:
“It’s nice just get out to the track, go through the process, make sure everything is functioning, and working well. The heat races and last chance qualifier are pretty tricky. It was exciting, but hard to pass last year. I’m ready to get to Bowman Gray and have a shot at it, hopefully the weather works with us.”
– Michael McDowell, Driver, No. 71 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
The Workforce Operational Health and Safety Solutions partnership will continue into the 2026 season, including upcoming appearances at Las Vegas and Richmond, underlying the importance of strong business relationships to the team’s stability and growth.
Guidance on the No. 71 Pit Box
Crew chief Travis Peterson enters a second campaign with McDowell after a season that included two poles and consistent short-track performances. Peterson, known for his engineering background and a decorated tenure with teams such as RFK Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, and JR Motorsports, brings expertise and tactical insight, underlining Spire’s commitment to building world-class support teams behind their drivers.
Carson Hocevar Gears Up for Another Clash at Bowman Gray
Carson Hocevar embarks on his third Cup Series season driving the No. 77 Zeigler Automotive Group Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Last season, Hocevar showcased impressive form at the Clash, advancing to the feature after finishing fourth in his heat. Despite a setback when he was spun while running sixth, he rebounded to finish 16th, ranking high in both green-flag and quality passes, demonstrating resilience and pace on the tight quarter-mile track.
With a strong background on short ovals, Hocevar claims previous wins in similar environments, notably at Flat Rock Speedway in Michigan. Last season, he recorded a pole, two top-fives, nine top-10s, and strong runner-up finishes at Atlanta and Nashville, signaling his readiness for another impactful year.
Speaking prior to the Clash, Hocevar expressed his enthusiasm and competitive focus:
“I’m excited for it. I don’t get around Martinsville very well, but for some reason, I’m not too bad at getting around Bowman Gray. We were running sixth last year before getting spun. I think we were something like the second-fastest car on lap times. I thought we realistically had a shot to run with Chase (Elliott), so hopefully we can unload with the same speed on Saturday. It would be interesting to win my first race in a non-points race, but it would be a great way to start the new year.”
– Carson Hocevar, Driver, No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
He described the unique Bowman Gray atmosphere, stating,
“It’s a lot of fun. The place is packed. It reminds me of going to local short tracks as a kid, but with the nice, fancy Cup cars beating and banging around that little place. It’s cool because I just ran the Gateway Dirt Nationals in St. Louis and went to the Chili Bowl in Tulsa. Bowman Gray reminds me a lot of those places, you just don’t have a roof over your head.”
– Carson Hocevar, Driver, No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Hocevar’s outlook reflects Spire’s spirit of adapting and thriving in challenging environments, especially on the grassroots-style “Madhouse” circuit.
Zeigler Automotive Group and Sponsorships Drive Forward
The Zeigler Automotive Group remains a prominent backer of Hocevar’s No. 77 machine, with plans for extensive involvement across the 2026 season. As one of the nation’s largest privately-owned dealer groups, Zeigler’s commitment exemplifies Spire’s strength in securing top-tier support. Their influence will again be visible at marquee events, including stops at Michigan International Speedway, Atlanta, Pocono, and Bristol, furthering the team’s capacity to compete at a high level throughout the year.
Bowman Gray Stadium: A Historic Challenge for All Three Drivers
Last year’s NASCAR Clash marked the event’s return to Bowman Gray Stadium, known for its tight layout and electric atmosphere. Results for Spire’s drivers encapsulate both the promise and challenge of short-track racing: Suárez finished 18th, Hocevar recovered from trouble to place 16th, and McDowell, despite a spirited run, missed the main event after placing fifth in the Last Chance Qualifier. The stadium, nicknamed “The Madhouse,” presents a distinctive stage for each driver to make an impact, not only in the exhibition race but also in shaping the early 2026 narrative.
What Awaits Spire Motorsports in the 2026 NASCAR Season
With a balanced lineup of proven veterans and rising talents, the Spire Motorsports NASCAR Clash Update signals renewed ambition and strategic partnerships for the team. The experience of Daniel Suárez, the momentum behind Michael McDowell, and the aggressive approach of Carson Hocevar create a potent mix as the Cup Series season dawns. Fans and analysts will watch to see how Spire builds from the Clash towards long-term success, with eyes not just on individual results but on progress across the entire 2026 campaign.
