Spire Motorsports has announced that Justin Haley will no longer driver their No. 7 car in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series.
Haley will be replaced by Daniel Suarez after failing to perform up to the standards of team-mates Michael McDowell and Carson Hocevar, managing just one finish better than tenth all year (third at the Coke Zero 400).
Suarez, meanwhile, was let go by Trackhouse Racing for 2026, essentially to make room for Xfinity Series phenom Connor Zilisch – with the teenager's promotion announced late last month.
The Mexican driver made the playoffs last year, but sits just 28th in points in 2025 after struggling to run near the front. That performance wasn't helped by team-mates Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen both winning their way into the postseason, leaving Suarez the odd man out when the axe had to be wielded.
Suarez: Excited to be part of 'growing' Spire team
In a Spire release announcing the move, Suarez said: “Spire’s growth over the last few years is quite impressive. That’s something I have mentioned to every single member who I have talked to at Spire Motorsports. I’m sure I’m not the only person who can see that and I’m excited to be part of it now.
"I know that even with the growth Spire has had the last few years, it hasn’t reached its full potential, just yet. There is a lot more out there to achieve, and I want to be part of that. I want to be part of that growth and use my experience to help my team, and the entire company continue to grow.”
Team co-owner Jeff Dickerson said of his new driver: “I have a lot of respect for how Daniel has forged his path here and has become a mainstay in the industry and it’s easy to see how he’s done it. He has a great attitude and never stops and we look forward to having another veteran for our organization to learn from and bring a new perspective to move the No. 7 team up the grid.”
Dan Towriss, fellow Spire co-owner and CEO of TWG Motorsports, added: “Daniel represents exactly the kind of talent and mindset that drives TWG Motorsports and our teams forward. He’s proven he can win at the highest level and connect with fans across cultures. Bringing Daniel into Spire Motorsports reflects our commitment to building something different and unparalleled at TWG Motorsports.”
