Stephen Doran and Luke Lambert have joined Spire Motorsports to fill out the organization’s crew chief lineup for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season.
Doran will work with rookie Zane Smith and the No. 71 Chevrolet team. Spire Motorsports is expanding to three cars with the addition of Smith and an alliance with Trackhouse Racing, with whom Smith has a long-term contract.
The 2024 season will be the first for Doran as a Cup Series crew chief. Doran started at Petty Enterprises in 2006 and most recently worked on Kevin Harvick’s car at Stewart-Haas Racing.
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“I didn’t know Zane personally, but when I started to go through his career, I noticed he’s consistently won in everything he’s raced and made the most of every opportunity he’s had along the way,” Doran said. “Zane and I have talked a lot lately, and I think this is going to be a great fit. Our personalities mesh well, and I think communication will be great on and off the track. I knew right away in our first meeting that he was the guy I wanted to do this with. He has all the intangibles that make an elite driver in the Cup Series.
“I am grateful for this opportunity and think Zane and this No. 71 team will create a lot of excitement and turn some heads in 2024.”
Lambert, a NASCAR veteran with nearly 11 years of Cup Series experience, joins the organization after a recent stint at Legacy Motor Club where he guided the No. 42 team. Beginning next season, Lambert will call the shots for rookie Carson Hocevar in the No. 77 Chevrolet.
“I’m thrilled to join the men and women at Spire Motorsports and be part of everything they’re building,” Lambert said. “Carson Hocevar has shown tremendous potential and that was apparent during our time together last year. He knows how to get the most out of his race car and how to communicate effectively with his team. I’m looking forward to working with him again in this new capacity and building on our experience with one another.”
Corey LaJoie and crew chief Ryan Sparks will return as the flagship team of Spire Motorsports with the No. 7 Chevrolet.
“Stephen Doran and Luke Lambert are veterans of the sport, exemplary individuals and we’re thrilled to welcome them both to Spire Motorsports,” said Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson. “Stephen is an accomplished racer who earned this position through practical knowledge, hard work and success. He’s been part of championship-caliber teams in the past and we’re confident that he’ll play a significant role in helping Spire Motorsports continue to raise our competitive bar.
“Luke Lambert is a complete professional and highly regarded competitor who has worked with Carson in the past. His demeanor and ability to connect with his drivers is what makes him a perfect fit. He has worked directly with Ryan Sparks previously, so that points directly to the synergy we’re looking for amongst our competition group.”