Suárez signs with Spire Motorsports for 2026: he will replace Haley in the #7 Chevrolet

Daniel Suárez has signed a contract with Spire Motorsports to compete in the 2026 season of the NASCAR Cup Series. The experienced driver will take over the Chevrolet #7 for the team that aims to establish itself among the regular competitors for top positions.

The signing opens a new chapter for Suárez after five seasons with Trackhouse Racing, where he achieved his only two victories in the premier category: Sonoma 2022 and Atlanta 2024. His experience and technical knowledge will be fundamental to Spire's growth project.

Photo By Carlos Castillo

Spire Aims to Reach Full Potential with Suárez

"Spire's growth in recent years has impressed me," stated Suárez when announcing his addition to the team. "I know that even with the growth Spire has had in recent years, it still hasn't reached its full potential. There's much more to achieve and I want to be part of that. I want to be part of that growth and I hope to use my experience to help my team and the entire company continue growing."

Photo By Carlos Castillo

The organization founded in 2018 expanded its operation from one to three cars and currently employs 82 people at its facilities in Mooresville, North Carolina. Jeff Dickerson, co-owner of the team, sees in Suárez the ideal profile to raise the competitive level.

Justin Haley Leaves the #7

Suárez's arrival comes after a mutual agreement between Spire and Justin Haley to end their professional relationship at the conclusion of 2025. Haley, who gave Spire its first Cup Series victory at Daytona 2019, failed to regain the form he showed with Kaulig Racing in previous seasons.

"This is a decision that wasn't taken lightly," explained Dickerson about Haley's departure. "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 an established winner."

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Joe Gibbs Racing, Stewart-Haas and Trackhouse Form Resume

Suárez arrives with a resume that includes stints with Joe Gibbs Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing, and Trackhouse, plus an Xfinity Series championship in 2016. In 321 Cup Series races, he has accumulated two victories, 24 top-5s and 75 top-10s, with two Playoffs qualifications.

Michael McDowell and Carson Hocevar will be his teammates in 2026. McDowell, winner of the 2021 Daytona 500, brings veteran experience, and Hocevar won the Rookie of the Year award in 2024.

Photo By Carlos Castillo

The separation between Suárez and Trackhouse was announced on July 1st as a mutual decision. Justin Marks, team owner, mentioned that the change responded to long-term strategic plans. Suárez expressed feeling relieved, indicating that the chemistry with the team had faded.

For Spire, the signing constitutes an important step in its evolution from that first victory at Daytona six years ago. With Suárez on board, the team aims to establish itself as a consistent competitor in the upper-middle part of the grid and eventually fight for Playoffs qualifications.

The 2026 season will mark the beginning of a new stage both for Suárez and for Spire Motorsports, united in the common goal of growing and competing at the highest level in the NASCAR Cup Series.