Confirming earlier reports, Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson has announced that the team and crew chief Rodney Childers have mutually agreed to part ways after working together for nine races.

In a significant shift within the NASCAR Cup Series, Spire Motorsports has announced the departure of veteran crew chief Rodney Childers after just nine races into the 2025 season. The decision was described as mutual by both parties, marking an unexpected end to a partnership that began with high expectations.

Childers, the winningest active crew chief in the Cup Series with 40 victories, joined Spire Motorsports to lead the No. 7 Chevrolet team. His tenure at Spire was anticipated to bring a new level of competitiveness to the team, leveraging his extensive experience and success, including a 2014 championship with Kevin Harvick.

The collaboration was initially seen as a strategic move to elevate Spire’s performance in the highly competitive NASCAR landscape. However, after nine races, both Childers and Spire have agreed to part ways, citing a mutual understanding that the partnership was not yielding the desired results.

Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson expressed appreciation for Childers’ contributions, stating, “Rodney is a hall-of-fame worthy, championship-winning crew chief. He is one of the best in the garage, and we are grateful for the time he spent with our team.” 

Childers, in turn, acknowledged the efforts of Spire Motorsports, saying, “I think the biggest thing is seeing how Spire Motorsports has grown over the last couple of years. They are investing in people, and that’s what makes a difference these days.” 

The departure of Childers adds to a series of changes within Spire Motorsports, including the recent announcement that driver Corey LaJoie will also be leaving the team at the end of the season. These developments indicate a significant restructuring within the organization as it seeks to redefine its competitive strategy.

As Spire Motorsports navigates these transitions, the team has yet to announce a replacement for Childers. The organization emphasized its commitment to building a competitive team, stating, “Our motto has been brick-by-brick for the last four years, and this is another key component to building higher degrees of success.” 

The NASCAR community will be watching closely to see how Spire Motorsports adapts to these changes and who will step into the pivotal role of crew chief for the No. 7 team. Meanwhile, Rodney Childers’ next move remains a topic of interest, given his proven track record and respected status in the sport.