The driver exchange between Spire Motorsports and Rick Ware Racing put a stop to rumors that Alex Bowman will leave Hendrick Motorsports following the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season.
Spire Motorsports and Rick Ware Racing have recently announced a rare in-season driver move, with Corey LaJoie and Justin Haley set to swap seats beginning with this Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series playoff race at Kansas Speedway.
It was confirmed over the summer that LaJoie would not be returning to Spire Motorsports for a fifth season in 2025, and while Rick Ware Racing has not confirmed him as the driver of the No. 51 Ford for next year, the early move allows Rick Ware’s team to assess his potential as they look for a long-term replacement for Haley.
Justin Haley’s move to Spire Motorsports marks a significant transition in his career, especially after an impressive 2024 season with Rick Ware Racing. His reunion with Spire Motorsports not only confirms his role for the remainder of 2024 but also solidifies his future as the driver of the No. 7 Chevrolet for the 2025 season. This move comes after Haley’s earlier commitment to Rick Ware Racing, where he had enjoyed success and expressed his loyalty.
Spire Motorsports is rounding out its 2025 lineup with other strong drivers. Michael McDowell, currently with Front Row Motorsports, is slated to replace Zane Smith, while Carson Hocevar will return for a second season. This lineup shows Spire Motorsports is building a competitive team moving forward, setting them up for more consistent performances in the Cup Series.
For Haley, returning to Spire offers a familiar environment where he can continue developing as a driver, and his experience from Rick Ware Racing and Kaulig Racing will surely be an asset for the team. This could mark a pivotal chapter in his career as he looks to make even more strides in 2025.
The move also ends a rumor involving Hendrick Motorsports and Alex Bowman.
The rumors surrounding Alex Bowman’s future with Hendrick Motorsports, despite being under contract through 2026, have persisted, particularly in light of the performance gap between him and his teammates. Bowman’s win at the Chicago Street Course ended a two-year win drought and secured his playoff spot, but the success of William Byron, Kyle Larson, and Chase Elliott—who have collectively won 26 races between Bowman’s last two wins—has kept speculation alive about his long-term standing with the team.
Justin Haley had been seen as a potential replacement for Bowman due to his impressive performances with Rick Ware Racing, where he often outperformed the capabilities of his equipment. Given Haley’s ability to shine on a team considered one of the slowest in the field, he was a strong candidate for a more prominent seat in the Cup Series.
However, Haley’s recent contract with Spire Motorsports through at least the 2025 season has put an end to that speculation. The move to Spire reunites him with the team where he scored his first Cup Series win in a shocking upset at Daytona in 2019. With this deal, Haley’s focus is now on helping Spire Motorsports build for the future, taking him out of the running for a potential seat at Hendrick Motorsports—at least for the next few years. Bowman’s future with Hendrick may still be uncertain, but Haley will continue to make strides elsewhere.
Despite the swirling rumors about Alex Bowman’s future with Hendrick Motorsports, there was never much substance to the idea of an early exit. Now, with his seat secured, the 31-year-old driver can confidently move forward, silencing critics with his consistent playoff performances.
Bowman’s advancement to the round of 12 in this year’s playoffs marks the sixth time in seven seasons with Hendrick Motorsports that he’s reached this stage, highlighting his reliability in high-pressure situations. While he hasn’t matched the win totals of teammates like William Byron, Kyle Larson, or Chase Elliott, Bowman has consistently delivered solid results, proving that his place within the team is well-deserved. His postseason consistency shows that Hendrick Motorsports doesn’t need to make major changes, as Bowman continues to contribute to the team’s overall success.
Now, Bowman can continue focusing on building on his performances, confident that he belongs with one of the top teams in NASCAR.
