Spire Motorsports entered the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season with high hopes, revamping its operation with two new drivers and bolstering its technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports. Central to this overhaul was the addition of veteran crew chief Rodney Childers, paired with Justin Haley on the No. 7 Chevrolet team.
Childers brought a wealth of experience—more than 600 Cup starts, 40 race wins, and a 2014 championship with Kevin Harvick. After Stewart-Haas Racing shut down at the end of 2024, Childers joined Spire with the goal of helping elevate the growing organization. His resume also included leading Michael Waltrip Racing to its first and final Cup Series victories.
Despite some bright moments for the team—most notably Carson Hocevar’s runner-up finish at Atlanta—the results didn’t consistently match expectations. Now, less than a quarter of the way into the season, Spire and Childers have abruptly parted ways.
“NASCAR is an ever-evolving sport and the path to improvement isn’t always comfortable,” said Spire co-owner Jeff Dickerson. “The break in the Cup Series schedule gave us a chance to evaluate where we are as a program… and the team and Rodney agreed that it would be best for us to part ways.”
Dickerson acknowledged the value Childers brought: “Rodney has worked at the highest level of our sport for 20 years, and he knows what it takes to win championships. With that in mind, we collectively acknowledged challenges with the team dynamic. Having the right combination of talent is just as important as the results on track.”
Childers echoed that sentiment in a personal statement: “I know this is a shock. But also know that not everything works out perfect all the time. That’s how life works. This was just one of those things that just wasn’t working for either of us.”
He expressed gratitude to Haley, Spire, Chevrolet, and Hendrick Motorsports, saying, “We did a lot of good that is yet to be seen, and I wish them the best in the future… It was a pleasure. Thank you to NASCAR, the officials, and most importantly the fans for your support.”
Looking ahead, Childers said he plans to take a step back: “I’m going to take a little time. Focus on the important things like my family and friends. And honestly just see what the racing world holds for me next.”
Justin Haley, meanwhile, enters Talladega sitting 23rd in the Cup standings, with a season-best finish of tenth at Homestead-Miami. Spire has not yet named a new crew chief for the No. 7 team.