Recently, NASCAR insider Jordan Bianchi shared his views on the potential Cup Series driver to replace Corey LaJoie behind the No. 1 Chevrolet. 7 Spire Motorsports. LaJoie has driven Chevrolet with Spire since 2021, but will now look for a car for the 2025 NASCAR season.
LaJoie was the team’s first full-time driver since its inception in 2018 and was the most experienced Cup driver in the Spire lineup. The 32-year-old has competed in 258 races during a career spanning more than nine years in the Cup Series. The Charlotte native’s best final finish was a P25 he achieved last year. As NASCAR’s wild season approaches the playoffs, The Athletic’s Bianchi hinted that Rick Ware Racing’s Justin Haley could be a possible replacement behind the No. 7 by Spire Motorsports. Speaking of Dale Jr. Download: Refreshed, Bianchi said:
“The names we’ve been looking for for the expensive No. 7, a name to really watch is Justin Haley. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes and that’s happening, but I’d say Justin Haley is the first contender.
“There’s another driver and I don’t feel comfortable saying his name right now, but he’s in the Cup series and he’s also another one to watch,” he said. Haley is a 25-year Cup Series driver for Rick Ware Racing, driving the No. 1 Ford No. 51 all-time in the Cup Series. In his part-time debut with Spire Motorsports, Haley earned his only win in the 2019 Coke Zero Sugar 400. Also, with his recent speed in the 2024 Cup Series season, Haley appears to be a good fit for owner Jeff Dickerson and his Cup team.
“We have to win” – Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson on major changes in the organization
Spire Motorsports has made some notable changes to its team recently, most notably the No. 7 in the Cup Series. From replacing Corey LaJoie to signing a former Cup Series winning crew chief, Rodney Childers, and a veteran driver, Michael McDowell.
In a conversation with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Spire co-owner Jeff Dickerson revealed his goals to build the organization and achieve more wins. Dickerson said:
“We have to win. Don’t make these moves without winning. You don’t have Rodney. Don’t try to keep up with Corey. You don’t bring some of the guys that we hired behind the scenes, you know, without, you know what I mean?
“We talked about building and building and building, right? And, of course, you’ve all been holding a gun for the whole trip with us, haven’t you? But it’s like we’ve been talking about it for so long that we’re like, Hey, right? Do you know what I mean? It’s time.
NASCAR will return to action on August 11 at Richmond Raceway for the Cook Out 400 event. This will be the penultimate race of the regular season before drivers and teams head to the 2024 playoff rounds.
