Spire Motorsports made a big move after the Chicago Cup race by signing championship-winning crew chief Rodney Childers for 2025 and beyond. This was a move that fired up fans of the race team and created questions among critics.
"Wow! I didn't see this one coming! Rodney will definitely help you go to the next level," one fan posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
Multiple NASCAR fans on X shared this sentiment after hearing that Childers would pair with Corey LaJoie and the No. 7 team. They predicted that LaJoie would win his first Cup Series race and would reach the playoffs for the first time.
This without a doubt will take your career to the next level. Congrats! This is huge news! Cannot wait to see how great you two will be.
— Bryan Libby (@BryanLibby15) July 9, 2024
LaJoie has been within reach of a win at times during his Cup Series career. He has four career top-five finishes and nine top-10s. His fourth-place finishes at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, and Daytona International Speedway stand out as career-best marks.
One thing that LaJoie has not yet done in his NASCAR career is post a top-10 finish at a normal oval or a road course. All of his top-10 finishes were on drafting tracks. However, many race fans expressed the belief that Childers will help LaJoie snap this trend.
"Corey LaJoie win incoming," another race fan posted on X.
While many NASCAR fans expressed boundless enthusiasm for Childers joining Spire Motorsports on a multi-year deal, others voiced criticism. Some talked about LaJoie while others compared this role at Spire Motorsports to Childers' previous tenure at Stewart-Haas Racing.
"What an absolute waste of his talent," one person posted. "Pair him with (Michael) McDowell if you want some results."
Why spire?! Damn man I really thought Rodney would go with Josh. It's to bad because Rodney deserves a way better team. I know there on the up and up. But still.... bummer...
— Travis Parker (@travisRP4) July 9, 2024
The NASCAR fans certainly had split reactions, but one common theme was that Spire Motorsports continues to make major moves. Adding Childers to the lineup is only the latest.
Once a single-car team, Spire Motorsports has majorly expanded in recent seasons. The team moved to two cars in 2021 while adding LaJoie to the driver lineup. It purchased Kyle Busch's Truck Series team and his Mooresville facility ahead of the 2024 season. Spire Motorsports also purchased a third charter.
Next season, the three-car team will have a new driver. Michael McDowell, a two-time Cup winner, will take over one of the Spire Motorsports Chevrolets on a multi-year deal. He will add another veteran presence and some playoff experience.
"Wonderful! Childers and McDowell on the team should have huge upside," one fan posted. "Love these moves."