Going into the 2025 season, Spire Motorsports sought to bolster its organization. It brought in two new drivers and hired a championship-winning crew chief while strengthening its existing technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports.
There have been flashes of speed from all three cars including Carson Hocevar's runner-up finish at Atlanta, but after just nine races, that championship-winning crew chief -- Rodney Childers -- has left the organization. Childers signed on to serve as the crew chief for Justin Haley and the No. 7 Chevrolet team in what supposed to be a new beginning for the veteran strategist.
Childers' brought with him the experience of over 600 Cup races, including 40 race wins and the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series championship with Kevin Harvick. He joined Spire after Stewart-Haas Racing closed its doors, where Childers had worked since the start of the 2014 season. Previously, he led Michael Waltrip Racing to its first two victories as a team, as well as its last before shutting down.
Spire on "challenges with the team dynamic"
Speaking on the split, Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson said: "NASCAR is an ever-evolving sport and the path to improvement isn't always comfortable. The break in the Cup Series schedule gave us a chance to evaluate where we are as a program. We took the opportunity to discuss the best paths forward for everyone involved and the team and Rodney agreed that it would be best for us to part ways.
"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. As we move in a new direction it is not lost on us that Rodney has been an invaluable asset to our organization, as he will continue to be for others in this sport."
Childers reacts
Childers released his own statement, talking about what's next for him. "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. I appreciate my time at Spire, working with JH [Haley] and the entire 7 team. We did a lot of good that is yet to be seen, and I wish them the best in the future. Also want to say thank you to everyone at Chevrolet, Mr H. [Rick Hendrick] and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports for my time working with them again. It was a pleasure. Thank you to NASCAR, the officials, and most importantly the fans for your support.
"For me, 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. I know the man above will lead me in a direction that is best for me."
Heading into Talladega, Haley sits 23rd in the championship standings with a best finish this year of tenth, which came at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The team has not yet announced a replacement for Childers atop the pit box.
