Spire Motorsports has made a significant driver change after the trip to Watkins Glen International. The team has released rookie Andres Perez de Lara.
According to a Monday morning press release, Spire Motorsports cut ties with Perez de Lara so that he could explore opportunities for the final eight races of this season, as well as 2026.
Spire Motorsports did not provide details about Perez de Lara's future, but Niece Motorsports announced shortly after that the rookie would take over the No. 44 Chevrolet for the rest of the season.
"Andrés has made meaningful progress this season, and we remain confident in his future," said Spire Motorsports President Bill Anthony in a statement. "While we haven't finalized our 2026 plans for the No. 77 team, we wanted to give him the opportunity to look ahead and pursue other options for the remainder of this year and beyond.
"He's a hard worker, carries himself with humility, and brings a consistently positive attitude to the garage. He comes from a great family, and we fully expect him to continue making strides as part of Chevrolet's driver development program. We're proud to have been part of his journey and will continue cheering him on."
Perez de Lara won the ARCA Menards Series championship last season. He then moved up to the Craftsman Truck Series and joined Spire Motorsports this season. He made 17 starts and posted two top-10 finishes in the No. 77. He finished 21st in his final start with the team, which took place at Watkins Glen, after he qualified fourth.
Perez de Lara sits 17th in the Truck Series standings, putting him in a must-win situation heading to the regular-season finale at Richmond Raceway.
While the rookie driver will head to Niece Motorsports, the No. 77 will continue to compete in the Truck Series. Spire Motorsports will shift the owners points from the No. 07 Chevrolet to the No. 77 Chevrolet. Corey LaJoie will then take over the entry for the rest of the Truck Series season.
Spire Motorsports will not field a fourth entry in the remaining races. The team will just move forward with Rajah Caruth in the No. 71, LaJoie in the No. 77, and a rotating lineup of drivers in the No. 7.