Spire Motorsports is preparing for a major performance at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA), as drivers Daniel Suárez, Michael McDowell, and Carson Hocevar share optimism about the team’s prospects for the upcoming event. Featuring a renewed focus on technical precision and recent momentum from earlier races, the Spire Motorsports race advance highlights the drivers’ determination to capitalize on points and potential victories in the season’s early road course challenge.
Drivers Embrace COTA’s Dynamic New Layout
Daniel Suárez, piloting the No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Spire Motorsports, has a positive outlook on the adjusted 20-turn layout at COTA. Suárez noted the added challenges and excitement for both racers and spectators:
Man, every time we come back to COTA it just gets better. The new layout really makes the corners come alive, it’s exciting for the fans and honestly, it’s just as exciting for me in the car. You’ve got to be aggressive, you’ve got to be precise, and that’s what makes this place special. For me, the new 20-turn layout is more technical and strategic, keeping me more focused with every lap. I am excited to get back out there.
—Daniel Suárez, Driver
With crew chief Ryan Sparks overseeing the No. 7 team from the box, expectations are set for strategic calls and technical adjustments to make a meaningful difference in the race’s outcome.
Michael McDowell Looks for Road Course Success
Michael McDowell, the driver of the No. 71 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, approaches COTA with the benefit of his extensive road course and sports car racing background. With previous top finishes last season, including several at road courses, McDowell is motivated to leverage early-season developments for a strong showing:
I’m looking forward to going to COTA. Obviously having a road course early in the season is beneficial, especially for me with my background in sports cars and road-course racing. The first handful of races are places we have had success, even though Daytona and Atlanta didn’t play out the way we wanted. We had some good speed and opportunities on the two drafting tracks so far, but now we can learn where we have improved our road-course program from last year. We had three top-five finishes on road courses and a penalty at COTA last year potentially cost us a fourth, but this weekend we will have a lot of opportunities to score some big points, and race for a win with Katz Coffee onboard.
—Michael McDowell, Driver
Guided by crew chief Travis Peterson, McDowell’s team aims to enhance their road-course program, drawing on lessons from past successes and setbacks at Daytona, Atlanta, and last year’s penalty at COTA.
Carson Hocevar Eager to Maintain Fast Start
Carson Hocevar, at the wheel of the No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, enters the weekend looking to capitalize on a strong start to the season. Acknowledging the challenges COTA presents, Hocevar remains confident in his team’s preparation and resilience:
Our guys on the No. 77 team have done a great job this year building us fast Camaros, and I don’t see that changing this week. Of all the road courses, this is definitely the one that has been the most challenging for me. We always qualify well on road courses. The goal for Sunday is to keep it on the asphalt and not make mistakes. If we can keep it clean, we’ll maximize our day and come out of the weekend with a solid points day.
—Carson Hocevar, Driver
Building on strong qualifying performances, Hocevar aims to maintain a mistake-free drive, allowing his team to secure valuable championship points at COTA.
Team Optimism and Competitive Aspirations Fuel COTA Campaign
Spire Motorsports enters the COTA race weekend with coordinated efforts across all teams, led by crew chiefs Ryan Sparks and Travis Peterson, and driven by the unified aim to compete for top points. Their focus on technical improvement, momentum from early races at tracks like Daytona and Atlanta, and attention to the unique demands of road course racing are set to play pivotal roles in their pursuit of victory.
With contributions from drivers like Daniel Suárez, Michael McDowell, and Carson Hocevar, each bringing distinct experiences and ambitions, Spire Motorsports is positioned to challenge for strong results at COTA. Their collective enthusiasm and determination reinforce the team’s ongoing drive for improvement and success as the NASCAR season progresses.
