After Stewart-Haas Racing announced its departure from NASCAR, crew chief Rodney Childers became highly sought after. Childers is one of NASCAR’s most accomplished crew chiefs, having guided Kevin Harvick to the 2004 NASCAR championship.
With 40 wins to his name, Childers was eventually signed by Spire Motorsports, a team undergoing significant changes, including the dismissal of #7 driver Corey LaJoie. Did Childers not want to work with LaJoie? LaJoie discussed his departure on a recent episode of the podcast Stacking Pennies.
Rodney Childers in, Corey LaJoie out
To prepare for the 2025 season, Spire Motorsports is making several management and team changes. Their press release stated, “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.”
LaJoie’s career in the Cup Series has been lackluster, with only four top-5 finishes in seven years and his best result being 4th with Spire Motorsports. His 2024 season was no different, as he ended winless in 28th place with just one top-5 finish. Spire Motorsports is looking to overhaul their team for 2025, starting with bringing in Childers, but the big question remains: who will be driving for him?
It won’t be LaJoie. There is speculation that Childers requested a new driver due to LaJoie’s lack of success. On Stacking Pennies, host Ryan Flores asked Corey if Childers’ entry surprised him. Corey’s response suggested he anticipated his departure, acknowledging that poor performance leads to being replaced.
As for who will drive for Childers, it remains uncertain. LaJoie hinted that the seat might go to the highest bidder, noting the prevalence of financially-backed drivers. He said, “There are so many guys with legitimate checkbooks that can just be stroked to fill any seat, like you’re buying tokens at Frank East fun park to drive race cars. So that’s what you’re up against as well…”
The future of Spire Motorsports’ #7 car remains uncertain. Will Childers select the next driver, or will someone buy their way in? Did Childers influence LaJoie’s exit? Answers should emerge soon. For now, LaJoie is out and Childers is in.
What led Childers to become a crew chief?
Initially, Childers aspired to be a NASCAR driver. He debuted in the Xfinity Series for Jay Robinson Racing in 2000, but his racing career ended tragically. On Kevin Harvick’s podcast Happy Hour, Childers shared that the era he raced in saw numerous fatalities, including Dale Earnhardt’s. The death of his friend and Richard Petty’s grandson, Adam Petty, profoundly affected him.
Childers recalled, “I remember screaming at home one day. I’m like, ‘I’m done.’ But it was hard for me to accept. I raced every week against Adam Petty, and I think that one hit me the most.” The subsequent death of Kenny Irwin Jr. only deepened his distress, prompting him to pivot to a different role in racing.
In 2003, Childers transitioned to being a mechanic, starting with Team Penske. Climbing the ranks, he eventually joined Stewart-Haas Racing, leading the team to success with Harvick. Now with Spire Motorsports, Childers aims to replicate this success. Meanwhile, LaJoie’s future remains uncertain. Where do you think he will go? Perhaps to the lower leagues?
