Tag: Spire Motorsports

Spire Motorsports sets new NASCAR record at Homestead in 2024

Spire Motorsports has officially set a new NASCAR record at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2024. Find out what Spire Motorsports has broken!

[autotag]Carson Hocevar[/autotag] and [autotag]Spire Motorsports[/autotag] had a great day at Homestead-Miami Speedway last weekend. Hocevar finished fifth in Stage 1, eighth in Stage 2, and brought home the No. 77 car with a ninth-place finish. The Spire Motorsports driver was really impressive; however, the rest of the No. 77 team was equally impressive on pit road.

According to Spire Motorsports, the No. 77 team set a new record with the fastest four-tire pit stop in NASCAR history. On Sunday afternoon at Homestead, the No. 77 team had an 8.29-second four-tire pit stop. Daniel Bach (Front Changer), Rod Cox (Rear Changer), Jarius Morehead (Tire Carrier), Cody French (Jackman), and Zico Pasut (Fueler) were the crew members.

Hocevar and Spire Motorsports are gaining significant momentum going into the last two races of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season. The organization has taken steps forward and could be running more competitively when the 2025 Daytona 500 rolls into the picture. For now, Hocevar and the No. 77 team will look to close out the 2024 NASCAR season on a high note.

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Eddie D’Hondt joins Spire Motorsports as Justin Haley’s spotter in 2025

Eddie D’Hondt will join Spire Motorsports on a multi-year contract to become Justin Haley’s spotter starting in 2025.

[autotag]Eddie D’Hondt[/autotag] has found his third home in as many seasons. On Friday morning, D’Hondt announced that he will join [autotag]Spire Motorsports[/autotag] on a multi-year contract to become [autotag]Justin Haley[/autotag]’s spotter in 2025. Haley has spent most of the 2024 NASCAR season with Rick Ware Racing but swapped seats with Corey LaJoie following the Round of 12 finale at Bristol Motor Speedway.

D’Hondt currently serves as the spotter for Josh Berry at Stewart-Haas Racing; however, the organization will shut down at the conclusion of the 2024 NASCAR season. D’Hondt is the most recent big hire for Spire Motorsports, which has also brought in Haley, Michael McDowell, and crew chief Rodney Childers from Stewart-Haas Racing.

https://twitter.com/theeddiedhondt/status/1844732306763718663?s=46

With Childers and D’Hondt moving from Stewart-Haas Racing to Spire Motorsports, Haley will essentially have two key pieces from the current No. 4 team. It has been an up-and-down year for so many individuals at Stewart-Haas Racing, and it’s good to see them find homes. For D’Hondt, it’s a great landing spot as Haley looks to build a foundation with Spire Motorsports.

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RWR and Spire to swap Haley and LaJoie after Bristol

Rick Ware Racing and Spire Motorsports will trade drivers after Saturday night’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway to get a head start on the 2025 season. Corey LaJoie will drive the No. 51 Ford Mustang for Ware beginning at Kansas …

Rick Ware Racing and Spire Motorsports will trade drivers after Saturday night’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway to get a head start on the 2025 season. Corey LaJoie will drive the No. 51 Ford Mustang for Ware beginning at Kansas Speedway (Sept. 29). Justin Haley will take over the No. 7 Chevrolet at Spire.

“Corey LaJoie has been a cornerstone of Spire Motorsports and we’re incredibly appreciative of all the time, effort and energy he has invested in our program,” said Spire Motorsports president Jeff Dickerson. “RWR is getting a workhorse in Corey. He’s dedicated to his craft and his tenacity brings out the best in those around him.

“We’ve known Justin Haley for many years and have been bullish on his talent from the beginning of his NASCAR career. Justin, and his win at Daytona, put us both on the map. It was a pivotal moment for his career and our organization. We’ve both grown since that day, as Justin has proven his talent in the Cup garage and he comes back to an organization that is very different from the one he left a few years ago. Getting back together now, rather than waiting until 2025, gives us an excellent opportunity to build a baseline and be a step ahead when we get to Daytona next February.”

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LaJoie moves to Rick Ware’s organization after being informed in July he’d be released from Spire Motorsports after this season. He has driven the No. 7 car since the 2021 season.

Haley’s return to Spire Motorsports reunites him with the team where he won the 2019 weather-shortened summer Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway in a part-time role. He competed with the team through the 2021 season.

In his first season with Ware, Haley was initially signed to a multiyear deal. He joined the organization after two seasons with Kaulig Racing.

“Justin Haley is a very talented driver who has done a lot to help elevate RWR,” said Rick Ware Racing president Robby Benton. “Justin came to us over the Olympic break with a longer-term opportunity that would serve his career well. We were sympathetic to his desires, as Justin committed to RWR early last year and has since played a key role in the growth of our organization. We didn’t want to compromise his growth or our own. In our talks with Justin following the break, we agreed to release him from his contract with RWR.

“Obviously, we needed a new plan to maintain the momentum we’ve gained this year, and Corey LaJoie joining RWR allows us to keep moving forward. These seven races provide a unique and unconventional opportunity to work together now and evaluate what we may be able to accomplish together going forward. Corey wants to continue his path toward winning in the NASCAR Cup Series, and so do we. We’re like-minded in that pursuit.”

Spire Motorsports’ top candidate for No. 7 NASCAR Cup car in 2025 revealed

Spire Motorsports’ top candidate for the No. 7 car in the NASCAR Cup Series has been revealed. Who could join Spire Motorsports in 2025?

[autotag]Spire Motorsports[/autotag] has one of the most intriguing openings in the NASCAR Cup Series. During the Olympic break, Spire Motorsports announced that Corey LaJoie won’t return to the No. 7 Cup car in 2025. The move leaves the No. 7 car open with new crew chief Rodney Childers waiting in the wings. However, Spire Motorsports’ “leading” candidate for 2025 has been revealed.

According to The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi, [autotag]Justin Haley[/autotag] is the “leading contender” for the No. 7 Cup car at Spire Motorsports in 2025. Haley has been linked to Spire Motorsports ever since the announcement of LaJoie’s departure. In fact, the Rick Ware Racing driver earned Spire Motorsports its first Cup Series victory in a rain-shorted race at Daytona International Speedway in July 2019.

In 2024, Haley has been impressive with Rick Ware Racing, earning two top-10 finishes and seven top-20 finishes in the last 11 races. Spire Motorsports sees how well Haley has been running in the No. 51 car, and a reunion wouldn’t be surprising. The two sides have a long history together, and Haley would be a great addition to Spire Motorsports.

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Kyle Busch connected to different NASCAR Cup Series team for 2025

Kyle Busch has been connected to a different NASCAR Cup Series team for the 2025 season. Which NASCAR team could sign Busch for 2025?

[autotag]Kyle Busch[/autotag]’s second campaign with Richard Childress Racing has been a nightmare. Through 22 NASCAR Cup Series events, Busch has two top-5 finishes and six top-10 finishes. The driver of the No. 8 car is likely to have a career-worst in top-5 finishes in 2024. However, will Busch return to Richard Childress Racing next year? That has been one of NASCAR’s hottest topics lately.

When discussing [autotag]Spire Motorsports[/autotag]’ opening in the Cup Series on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Catchfence’s Lee Spencer mentioned Busch and Justin Haley. Corey LaJoie won’t return to the No. 7 Cup car for Spire Motorsports in 2025, leaving an opening alongside Carson Hocevar and Michael McDowell. Busch and Haley have frequently been suggested as replacements.

Throughout the 2024 NASCAR season, Busch’s’ situation has been clear cut as he is under contract with Richard Childress Racing next year. Spire Motorsports landing Busch would be the best-case scenario, but it still seems more likely that he returns to Richard Childress Racing. It will be interesting to see who Spire Motorsports lands and whether Busch shockingly finds himself in the No. 7 car.

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Corey LaJoie talks about leaving Spire Motorsports after 2024 season

Corey LaJoie talks about leaving Spire Motorsports after the 2024 season. Check out what LaJoie had to say about this tough situation!

[autotag]Corey LaJoie[/autotag]’s journey with [autotag]Spire Motorsports[/autotag] will come to an end after the championship race at Phoenix Raceway. During the Olympic break, Spire Motorsports revealed that LaJoie will not return to the No. 7 Cup car in 2025. Throughout the 2024 NASCAR season, LaJoie has struggled as he sits behind teammate Carson Hocevar in the point standings.

LaJoie discussed leaving Spire Motorsports on his podcast, Stacking Pennies with Corey LaJoie, and admitted that some of his mistakes didn’t allow the team to maximize its performance. The driver of the No. 7 car wishes he could have seen it through with Spire Motorsports.

“I do hate that we weren’t able to see it through; we weren’t able to kind of adjust the No. 7 team and kind of turn the right knobs to get performance where we needed it,” LaJoie said. “Also, I made too many mistakes behind the wheel this year. There were several that took us out of contention for some good results.”

“It’s onward and upward. I don’t know what the next step is. It’s been a unique situation with all the variables that are in play, but nonetheless, I am at peace with it. I’m excited about what the next chapter holds, and I’m pretty motivated to still be the first one that puts a win banner on the wall at [Spire Motorsports] and a trophy in the trophy case on the [NASCAR Cup Series] side there and continue to finish this thing strong the last 14 races.”

LaJoie’s future is unknown, but he still has 14 races left with the No. 7 team at Spire Motorsports. There will be plenty of talk about whether LaJoie should move down to the lower ranks of NASCAR, and while it is important, he must finish the 2024 season strong. It’s disappointing for LaJoie, but there’s still time to maximize the No. 7 team.

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Sam Mayer, Justin Haley connected to NASCAR Cup Series team for 2025

Sam Mayer and Justin Haley are connected to a NASCAR Cup Series team for 2025. Which NASCAR organization could sign Mayer or Haley?

[autotag]Spire Motorsports[/autotag] made big moves leading into the 2024 NASCAR season, but that hasn’t changed this year. To this point, Spire Motorsports has signed driver Michael McDowell and crew chief Rodney Childers to contracts while announcing that Corey LaJoie won’t return in 2025. So, who could replace LaJoie in the No. 7 Cup car next season?

When thinking about potential replacements for LaJoie, FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass mentioned Sam Mayer and Justin Haley as the first names that come to mind. Mayer has been connected to several rides in the NASCAR Cup Series, including Front Row Motorsports, while Haley has remained committed to Rick Ware Racing throughout the process.

The NASCAR organization will have many options available, but Mayer or Haley would be a great addition alongside Childers. The Rick Ware Racing driver has driven for Spire Motorsports in the past, but it’s unclear if he would leave the No. 51 team. The JR Motorsports driver is a different story, but Spire Motorsports has plenty of time to decide.

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Latest update on Kyle Busch possibly joining Spire Motorsports in 2025

What it is the latest on Kyle Busch possibly joining Spire Motorsports in 2025? Check out the latest update on Busch’s ride status for 2025!

[autotag]Kyle Busch[/autotag]’s future with Richard Childress Racing has been a massive discussion over the last few months. Entering the Olympic break, Busch needs to win if he wants to make the 2024 NASCAR playoffs, as Richard Childress Racing struggles with its speed. However, will Busch jump ship to replace Corey LaJoie at [autotag]Spire Motorsports[/autotag] in 2025?

According to FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, Busch is not expected to replace LaJoie in the No. 7 car at Spire Motorsports in 2025. The driver of the No. 8 car is under contract for 2025 and will likely return to Richard Childress Racing. Busch has been one name mentioned alongside the No. 7 car, as Spire Motorsports has a relationship with him.

Those discussions might have differed if Busch had been on an expiring contract. With Richard Childress Racing struggling with speed, the years typically labeled as a “driver’s prime” are being wasted right now. Busch really wants to compete for wins at NASCAR’s top level again, but it won’t be with Spire Motorsports next year.

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Corey LaJoie won’t return to No. 7 Cup car for Spire Motorsports in 2025

Corey LaJoie won’t return to the No. 7 Cup car for Spire Motorsports during the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.

[autotag]Corey LaJoie[/autotag]’s partnership with [autotag]Spire Motorsports[/autotag] will be coming to an end after the 2024 NASCAR season. According to The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi, LaJoie will not return to the No. 7 Cup car for Spire Motorsports in 2025. The 32-year-old driver joined Spire Motorsports in 2021 and has four top-5 finishes and six top-10 finishes since then.

LaJoie has struggled in 2024, as he sits 28th in the point standings. Carson Hocevar, LaJoie’s teammate, is 24th in the point standings and sits 59 points above him as a rookie driver. It was previously announced that Rodney Childers would be LaJoie’s crew chief for the 2025 NASCAR season, but the team will now look for a new driver.

Spire Motorsports has several options available, such as Rajah Caruth and Chase Purdy, in the NASCAR Truck Series, but LaJoie’s future is more uncertain. It would be better for LaJoie to move to a different series and run competitively. LaJoie hasn’t won in the top 3 levels of NASCAR, and competitive equipment would be a good option in the lower series.

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Spire splitting with LaJoie at season’s end

Corey LaJoie will not drive the No. 7 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series next season. LaJoie was informed by the team on Wednesday. An eight-year veteran of the Cup Series, LaJoie has driven for Spire Motorsports since 2021. He …

Corey LaJoie will not drive the No. 7 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series next season.

LaJoie was informed by the team on Wednesday.

An eight-year veteran of the Cup Series, LaJoie has driven for Spire Motorsports since 2021. He signed a two-year contract extension last season.

“I won’t be driving the 7 car next year,” LaJoie said. “I take a lot of satisfaction from having an integral part of building Spire into a respectable team on the grid, but unfortunately the future won’t involve me. We will finish the remainder of 2024 strong, continuing to deliver for my partners, my guys who work hard to build good cars, family, fans and friends who have supported me since day one in the Cup Series. This chapter ends after Phoenix and I’m excited to see what the Lord has in store for my family next.”

LaJoie has six top-10 finishes and four top-five finishes in the No. 7 Chevrolet. He finished a career-best 25th in the championship standings last season.

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Spire Motorsports announced July 9 the hiring of Rodney Childers for next season. Childers will lead the No. 7 team. When that news was announced, it indicated that LaJoie would be the car’s driver.

It is not known who will replace LaJoie next season.

“Corey LaJoie has been a cornerstone of Spire Motorsports since 2021 and it would be impossible to overstate what he’s meant to this organization and how much I’ve agonized over this decision,” said Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson. “Corey put his heart and soul into this team. He rolled up his sleeves and went to work before we had a race shop, a toolbox or even our own cars. Those days, looking back, were so much simpler than where we are in our journey now. Back then, we just wanted to get to the racetrack. Today, we’re consumed with consistently battling for top-10 finishes and contending for wins in the near future.

“In racing, there are always variables but one thing we all know, is this is a performance-based business, and it just hasn’t been there for several reasons. All those reasons are factored in when it comes to making a decision of this magnitude. With Ryan (Sparks) moving upstairs, and Rodney (Childers) coming in next season, the best thing for Spire Motorsports is a clean slate for the No. 7 car in 2025. Corey deserves a fresh look from another organization too, and we’ll do everything we can to help him get another opportunity in the Cup garage. I believe in Corey and his ability to be successful in this sport and look forward to him using this as motivation to prove all his doubters wrong.”

Spire Motorsports will field three full-time entries in 2025. Carson Hocevar drives the No. 77 Chevrolet and Michael McDowell will join the organization to drive the No. 71 Chevrolet.

This story has been updated to include the statement from Spire.