2 weeks Ago By Matthew Neschis
Legendary NASCAR crew chief Rodney Childers acknowledged that his departure from Spire Motorsports might come as a “shock” after he and the team agreed to go their separate waves. On Wednesday, Childers sent shockwaves across the world of motorsports after announcing that he’d be splitting from Spire Motorsports - not long after NBC analyst Rick Allen similarly lost his job . The 48-year-old joined the organization over the offseason following 11 years spent with Stewart-Haas Racing , which closed its doors on the heels of the 2024 campaign .
Last July, Childers inked a multiyear contract with Spire to serve as the crew chief for Justin Haley in the No. 7 Chevrolet. In a lengthy statement posted to social media, however, he conceded that the partnership simply didn’t work out.
NASCAR fans call for immediate firing of announcer after lacklustre Rockingham broadcast Justin Thomas makes tough decision on caddie's future after RBC Heritage win “I know this is a shock. But also know that not everything works out perfect all the time. That’s how life works,” Childers wrote on X.
“This was just one of those things that just wasn’t working for either of us. I appreciate my time at Spire, working with JH and the entire 7 team. We did a lot of good that is yet to be seen, and I wish them the best in the future.
“Also want to say thank you to everyone at Chevrolet, Mr. (Rick Hendrick) and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports for my time working with them again. It was a pleasure.
Thank you to (NASCAR), the officials, and most importantly the fans for your support.” As for what the future holds in store for him, Childers revealed that he will momentarily step away from NASCAR to spend more time with loved ones. “For me, I’m going to take a little time,” he added.
“Focus on the important things like my family and friends. And honestly just see what the racing world holds for me next. I know the man above will lead me in a direction that is best for me.
” Over a decorated 20 years in the Cup Series, Childers amassed 40 race wins while additionally claiming the 2014 NASCAR championship alongside Kevin Harvick in their first season together at Stewart-Haas. But the veteran has failed to achieve similar results with Haley, who currently sits 23rd in the standings with one top-10 finish. Haley ranks 23rd in the Cup Series standings.
His lone top-10 finish through nine races this season was 10th last month at Homestead-Miami Speedway. DON'T MISS: Tommy Fleetwood's wife makes her feelings clear on 23-year age gap Rory McIlory 'could barely get out of bed' week after Masters win CBS' latest golf TV ratings prove star power of Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas Addressing Childers’ exit, Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson said: “NASCAR is an ever-evolving sport and the path to improvement isn’t always comfortable. The break in the Cup Series schedule gave us a chance to evaluate where we are as a program.
We took the opportunity to discuss the best paths forward for everyone involved and the team and Rodney agreed that it would be best for us to part ways. “Rodney has worked at the highest level of our sport for 20 years, and he knows what it takes to win championships. With that in mind, we collectively acknowledged challenges with the team dynamic.
Having the right combination of talent is just as important as the results on track. As we move in a new direction it is not lost on us that Rodney has been an invaluable asset to our organization, as he will continue to be for others in this sport.”.
