In a significant move within the NASCAR Cup Series, veteran crew chief Rodney Childers has signed a multiyear contract to lead Spire Motorsports No. 7 Chevrolet team, partnering with driver Corey LaJoie starting in the 2025 season.
Childers, renowned as the winningest active crew chief in the Cup Series with 40 victories, brings a wealth of experience to Spire. His illustrious career includes guiding Kevin Harvick to the 2014 Cup championship and securing multiple wins with drivers David Reutimann and Brian Vickers. Over a decade with StewartHaas Racing SHR, Childers led Harvick to eight playoff appearances, including five trips to the Championship 4 between 2014 and 2019.
The transition comes as SHR plans to close its fourcar operation at the end of the 2024 season. Childers expressed enthusiasm about joining Spire, noting the teams growth and investment in personnel. Spire continues to invest in the people within the team and they seek out good people to add depth to an already strong group, Childers said. Corey is a veteran of the sport, and I think we have a tremendous opportunity in front of us.
Spire Motorsports coowner Jeff Dickerson highlighted the strategic nature of the hire. Rodney is a halloffameworthy, championshipwinning crew chief with 40 wins. He is one of the best in the garage, and when a guy like Rodney is available, it would be malpractice if we did anything but our absolute best to bring him into our growing organization, Dickerson stated.
Ryan Sparks, who has been serving as both Spires competition director and crew chief for LaJoie, will transition to focus solely on his role as competition director after this season. Sparks acknowledged the significance of Childers addition, stating, When you have the opportunity to bring in a championshipcaliber crew chief like Rodney Childers, you have to capitalize.
The agreement was finalized privately at Spires Mooresville headquarters, with Childers family present. As the team looks ahead to the 2025 season, the collaboration between Childers and LaJoie is anticipated to enhance Spire Motorsports competitiveness in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Sources:
Motorsport.comhttps:www.motorsport.comnascarcupnewsveterancrewchiefrodneychilderstojoinspiremotorsportsin202510633430
Speed Sporthttps:www.speedsport.comnascarnascarcupseriesrodneychildersjoininglajoieatspirein2025
Forbeshttps:www.forbes.comsitesjosephwolkin20240709spiremotorsportssignsrodneychilderstobecoreylajoiescrewchief