Spire Motorsports and veteran crew chief Rodney Childers have taken the NASCAR world by surprise with a sudden split. On Wednesday, the team officially announced that it has parted ways with Childers after just nine races into the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.
Childers, who previously worked with Stewart-Haas Racing, joined Spire Motorsports during the offseason. He had taken on the role of crew chief for Justin Haley and the No. 7 team. His addition to Spire was seen as a major move following the shutdown of Stewart-Haas Racing, where Childers had built a strong legacy.
In light of the abrupt change, Spire has named Ryan Sparks, the organization’s current Director of Competition, as the interim crew chief for Haley for the remainder of the season. Sparks previously served in a similar role and brings familiarity with the team’s operations.
Co-owner Jeff Dickerson addressed the move in a team statement, offering some insight into the decision. “NASCAR is constantly evolving, and growth doesn’t always come easy,” he explained. “The break in the Cup Series schedule gave us a window to reflect on where we stand as a team. After some open discussions, both sides agreed that a change was necessary. Rodney has been at the top of this sport for two decades, and he understands what it takes to compete at the highest level. Despite that, we faced challenges with team dynamics that couldn’t be ignored. Success isn’t just about performance on the track—it’s about having the right blend of personalities and skills behind the scenes.”
Dickerson expressed appreciation for Childers’ contributions, acknowledging the experience and leadership he brought to the organization, even if things didn’t work out as planned. “Rodney has been an important part of our team, and his influence will be felt here long after his departure.”
As for Childers, he is expected to step away for a while as he evaluates his next move in the racing world. Meanwhile, Spire Motorsports will begin its search for a new long-term crew chief to lead the No. 7 team forward, aiming to find the right fit that aligns with the team’s evolving goals and culture.
