Ryan Sparks to replace Rodney Childers as Justin Haley's crew chief

Rodney Childers’ abrupt exit from Spire Motorsports shocked the NASCAR garage and left a vacancy atop the pit box for Justin Haley and the No. 7 Chevrolet. Childers has over 20 years of experience as a crew chief, winning 40 races and the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series championship with Kevin Harvick. But after Stewart-Haas Racing shut down at the end of last season, he found a new home at Spire … or so we thought.

Citing challenges in the team dynamic, Spire decided it was best for the two parties to end their partnership after just nine races. Childers echoed Spire’s sentiments, saying the situation “wasn’t working for either of us,” leading to the mutual split.

Rodney Childers, Stewart-Haas Racing

Photo by: Getty Images

Less than 24 hours later, we have an update regarding who will replace Childers in the critical role. Ryan Sparks, who currently works as the Director of Competition for the team, will also take on the position of crew chief for Haley for the remainder of the 2025 season.

“As a follow up to yesterday’s news, Ryan Sparks will return to the pit box as crew chief for Justin Haley and the No. 7 team for the duration of the 2025 season,” a statement from the team read. “Sparks will once again serve in a dual role as Crew Chief and Director of Competition.”

This isn’t unfamiliar territory for Sparks, who joined Spire in 2021 with Corey LaJoie. He worked as his crew chief for several years until LaJoie was replaced by Haley in the driver’s seat late in the 2024 season. Sparks has experienced 175 Cup races as a crew chief, earning three top fives and nine top tens.

Haley currently sits 23rd in the championship standings entering the race weekend at Talladega Superspeedway.