Daniel Suarez Is the “Leading Candidate” to Replace Justin Haley at Spire Motorsports

Justin Haley will leave Spire Motorsports at the end of 2025 and reports suggest that Daniel Saurez might benefit from it.

Daniel Suarez Is the “Leading Candidate” to Replace Justin Haley at Spire Motorsports

Justin Haley and Daniel Suarez (Via @Justin_Haley_/X and IMAGO)

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Two driver that have gone through nightmare streaks in the 2025 Cup Series season has been Justin Haley and Daniel Saurez. Both of them are set to lose their Cup seats at the end of the season. Trackhouse Racing has announced Conor Zilisch will replace the Mexican American in the 2026 season while Spire Motorsports has announced Haley’s exit as well.

The Spire team hasn’t yet announced the replacement for the former race winner at Daytona, Justin Haley. Chevy has a limited set of drivers available to take over the seat and according to the most recent reports from senior NASCAR journalist Jordan Bianchi of the Athletic, Daniel Suarez is the top candidate to take over the No:7 team.

Spire Motorsports announces Justin Haley won’t return to the team next year. No replacement named to drive the No. 7 Cup Series entry. Sources tell The Athletic, Daniel Suarez is considered a leading candidate.

Jordan Bianchi reported on X.

If the past of Daniel Saurez is considered, he is a solid replacement for Haley. He has made it into the playoffs for Trackhouse twice and has won multiple cup races for them. But at the same time the recent stats from the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season says an entirely different story for the current No:99 team racer.

Suarez is 28th in the table at the moment, while both of his teammates have secured win and made it into the playoffs.  The 33-year-old has scored just seven top 10s and two top 5s so far this year. Haley meanwhile, in a lesser car has, scored just two top-10s this season with a bets finish of P3 at Daytona. Over 60% of finishes were outside the top-20, showcasing how disappointing the year was.  

Spire Motorsports owner shared thoughts on Justin Haley’s exit

While the underwhelming stats doesn’t help Justin Haley, it also important to remember that the Spire cars hasn’t been on the same level as they have the in the 2024 season. Having a strong teammate like Carson Hocevar, who is capable of outperforming the car is a major challenge to overcome as well.

Justin Haley
Justin Haley (Credits: NBC News)

Talking about letting Justin Haley Walk away at the end of the season, co-owner of the team Jeff Dickerson admitted that it was a decision they took a tough heart. They been with Haley since he was a teenager, and he played a significant role in the evolution of the team to a strong midfield side from a lower order side.

This is a decision that was not taken lightly. Justin has been a member of the Spire family since he was a teenager. We’ve watched him grow from a young driver trying to make his mark in the sport to a proven winner. He helped strengthen our organization into what it is today.

Jeff Dickerson said via a press release.

Further talking about the point, Dickerson asserted that Haley is the embodiment of a true racer forging his path silently to become a respected race winner and will be a huge asset for his next team. But at the moment Spire isn’t the right choice for both the party.

He made us winners and returned home after forging his own path in the Cup Series. Justin is the embodiment of a true racer who has quietly become a respected competitor within the NASCAR garage and will be an incredible asset to his next team.

Jeff Dickerson added.

The comments from Dickerson shows form and history wasn’t the main reason behind the decision to let Haley go. There is a significant chance that it has to do with sponsorship issues, as with a racer like Daniel Saurez had a lot demand in the market available, they decided take the risk as at the end of the day they will get same level performance alongside more revenue generating opportunity.

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