NASCAR Star Dale Earnhardt Jr. Critiques Justin Haley’s Struggle-Filled Season Following Crew Chief’s Abrupt Departure
In a shocking revelation on the latest episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. did not hold back when discussing Justin Haley’s tumultuous 2025 season with Spire Motorsports. The former Cup Series driver expressed his disappointment in Haley’s performance, especially after the sudden exit of crew chief Rodney Childers.
Haley, who made his Cup Series debut with Spire Motorsports in 2019, showed promise as a part-time driver but has since faced challenges maintaining his momentum. Despite a few notable achievements with Rick Ware Racing, Haley’s transition to Spire Motorsports in the latter part of the 2024 season has been marred by struggles and setbacks.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. highlighted the impact of Rodney Childers’ departure from the team after just nine races into the season, suggesting that it may have derailed Haley’s progress. Earnhardt Jr. expressed his concerns, stating, “Since he’s been there, it has been awful. It’s been bad.” The NASCAR icon hinted at underlying issues within the team following Childers’ exit, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the reasons behind the abrupt change.
Following Childers’ departure, Ryan Sparks took over as the crew chief for Haley’s #7 Chevy Camaro ZL1 team. However, the team has struggled to secure significant finishes, with Haley currently ranking 29th in the Cup Series points standings. This disappointing performance places him at the bottom among Spire Motorsports’ three drivers, raising questions about the team’s ability to support Haley effectively.
In a separate but equally compelling development, former Spire Motorsports crew chief Rodney Childers recently shared his thoughts on the emotional impact of Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s documentary, “Earnhardt.” Childers admitted that the final two episodes were challenging to watch, reflecting on the late racing legend’s legacy and the profound influence he had on the sport.
As the NASCAR community grapples with these revelations and the implications for Justin Haley’s future with Spire Motorsports, all eyes are on the team’s upcoming races to see if they can overcome the obstacles and return to their former glory. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s candid assessment has shed light on the inner workings of the team and the challenges they face in the highly competitive world of professional racing.