Spire Motorsports is making waves this offseason as it prepares for a major overhaul of its NASCAR Truck Series lineup in 2025. The team has doubled down on its commitment to the series by expanding to four entries, including two full-time rides, signaling its intention to become a formidable contender in the championship.
Confirmed Full-Time Drivers: Caruth and Perez de Lara Lead the Charge
Rajah Caruth is set to return in the No. 71 Chevy truck after a successful 2024 season, highlighted by a playoff appearance and a victory at Las Vegas. Joining him as Spire’s second full-time driver is 2024 ARCA Menards Series champion Andres Perez de Lara.
Perez de Lara, a 19-year-old rising star from Mexico, earned his ARCA title without a single race win, relying on an impressive streak of 10 top-five finishes. His move to Spire comes as no surprise given the team’s past alliance with Rev Racing, which helped nurture his talent.
“It’s such a great opportunity for me and one that I have been working extra hard to get,” Perez said in a press release. “I think I’m looking forward to the competition more than anything. Daytona can’t come soon enough.”
Perez brings a wealth of experience, having climbed the ranks from karting to winning the 2022 NASCAR Mexico Challenge Series championship, akin to the Xfinity Series in Mexico. His signing reinforces Spire’s vision to develop young talent while pursuing competitive results.
Part-Time Entries: Questions Loom Over No. 7 and No. 07 Trucks
Spire’s expanded lineup includes the introduction of two part-time entries: the No. 7 and No. 07 trucks. However, significant gaps remain in the driver roster.
- No. 7 Chevy Truck: Corey Day has been announced for eight races in 2025, leaving open slots for the remainder of the schedule. Speculation points to Sammy Smith, currently part of Junior Motorsports, as a potential candidate to fill some of those gaps.
- No. 07 Chevy Truck: Spire plans to field this part-time truck with multiple drivers sharing duties. Smith is again rumored to play a role here, but Spire has yet to confirm additional names as it works to finalize points distribution following its split from Rev Racing.
Ownership Points and Strategic Moves
Spire Motorsports has made a notable shift by severing its alliance with Rev Racing, a decision likely tied to its expansion to four entries. However, this move has left the team navigating a complex situation regarding ownership points.
The No. 2 entry, driven by Nick Sanchez last year, has been acquired by Reaume Brothers Racing for their third full-time team. Spire is now focusing on retaining its competitive standing and ensuring clarity on points distribution for the No. 07 entry.
Outlook for 2025
With Rajah Caruth and Andres Perez de Lara at the forefront, Spire Motorsports is positioning itself as a serious contender in the Truck Series. While questions linger about its part-time roster, the team has made it clear that it’s building a program capable of competing for wins and championships.
The spotlight now turns to the Daytona 500 weekend, where Spire’s revamped lineup will hit the track for the first time. All eyes will be on Perez de Lara as he looks to prove himself in his full-time Truck Series debut.