In a move that is bound to stir up discussions among racing fans, Justin Haley will be stepping away from Spire Motorsports at the conclusion of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. This announcement marks the end of a chapter that has seen both challenges and significant moments for the young driver. The team and Haley have mutually agreed to part ways after the upcoming race at Phoenix Raceway next month. Haley, who has been behind the wheel of the No. 7 Chevrolet, returned to Spire at the end of 2024, but this season has proven to be a tough one for him, with only two finishes inside the top 10 so far. With just three races left on the schedule, he currently ranks 31st in the overall standings. It’s also worth noting that Spire underwent a crew chief change earlier this spring, which may have influenced their performance.
Jeff Dickerson, who co-owns Spire Motorsports, shared his perspective on the departure, emphasizing the significance of Haley’s journey with the team. “This wasn’t an easy decision,” Dickerson explained. “Justin has been part of the Spire family since his teenage years. We’ve witnessed his growth from a young driver eager to leave his mark on the sport to a proven winner. He played a crucial role in shaping our organization into what it is today. Justin helped us achieve victories and came back to us after forging his own path in the Cup Series.”
He added, “Justin embodies the true spirit of a racer — quiet yet fierce — and has earned respect within the NASCAR garage. I have no doubt he will be a tremendous asset for his next team.”
Justin Haley’s journey with Spire began when the team entered the Cup Series in 2019. During their initial season, Spire competed on a part-time basis, but Haley’s standout moment came in the summer at Daytona International Speedway, where he secured the team’s first, and so far only, victory in the Cup Series — a weather-shortened race that put Haley in the spotlight.
Over the course of five seasons in the Cup Series, Haley has raced for various teams, including Spire Motorsports, Kaulig Racing, and Rick Ware Racing, accumulating a total of 177 starts. As the team prepares to move forward, Spire Motorsports has yet to reveal its plans for the No. 7 car in 2026, promising an announcement at a later date.
And here’s where it gets controversial — some might argue it’s just part of the sport’s natural evolution, while others see it as a sign that even promising drivers like Haley face an uncertain future in NASCAR. What’s your take? Is Haley’s departure a setback or an opportunity for both him and Spire to reinvent themselves? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
