Spire Motorsports made the headlines last year by signing championship-winning crew chief and veteran strategist Rodney Childers to lead their No. 7 team. However, just nine races into the season, the much-anticipated Childers-Spire alliance has come to an abrupt end, with both parties mutually agreeing to part ways.
Subsequently, the 48-year-old teased in his latest social media post about opening a new chapter in life, far away from the race track.
Rodney Childers Turns a New Page After Split With Spire Motorsports
Going into this season, Spire Motorsports, co-owned by Jeff Dickerson, sought radical changes to bolster its organization. They brought in the Cup-winning Childers two new drivers – Justin Haley to the No. 7 team, replacing Corey LaJoie, and Michael McDowell to the No. 71 team. They further strengthened their technical ties with Hendrick Motorsports. As a result, the team became a three-car team in the Cup Series, with Carson Hocevar at the helm of the No. 77 Chevy.
Childers’ presence on the team had its effects. All three cars of Spire showed speed, including Hocevar’s runner-up finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Although Chiders was roped in for a multi-year deal with Spire last July, his on-track partnership with Justin Haley only began this season.
But after just nine ventures, what appeared to be a new beginning for the veteran strategist has ended. Recently, the veteran posted a new picture on his X, which appears to be a family vacation with his close ones, captioned, “#NewProfilePic.”
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/7tnSKgSaG1
— Rodney Childers (@RodneyChilders4) April 24, 2025
Childers released a statement earlier confirming his decision to leave the team. “I know this is a shock. But also know that not everything works out perfect all the time. That’s how life works. 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 [Haley] 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,” he noted.
He also briefly spoke about what’s next for him. “For me, I’m going to take a little time. 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,” Childers added.
Dickerson also welcomed Childers’ decision with a pinch of salt. Reflecting on the split, he said, “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.”
With years of invaluable experience, Childers is a well-known face in the Cup Series circle. He has 40 wins and experience in over 600 races. Note that 37 of the 40 came during his championship-winning alliance with Kevin Harvick during his time at Stewart-Haas Racing.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
