Menu
The Cup Series free agent market in Silly Season is turning precarious, with more drivers than cars; one name that is on every fan’s mind is Justin Haley. But is Haley the right option for what might be the best ride left?
Many fans had tied Justin Haley to the No. 7 at Spire after the team announced that Corey Lajoie would not return. While this felt like some “fantasy booking” by fans, it gained more traction when Jordan Bianchi of the Athletic spoke about the matter on The Dale Jr Download.
Despite a win, Justin Haley’s first few years in the Cup Series with Kauling Racing are forgetful at best. The Xfinity Series standout mustered only a 22nd and 26th place points finish with Kauling before jumping ship to Rick Ware Racing this season.
At the time, fans considered the jump to RWR a questionable move. But Haley has manifested the best season a driver has had with the back marker team. Currently 28th in the points, many doubts about the pairing look to be gone.
It is one thing for a driver to perform well in equipment that has historically not run well. What Haley has done in that equipment is masterful: two top-tens, tied for the team’s best, and 17 lead lap finishes, the best in RWR history.
For Haley, the allure of leaving may be tied to success. Now, 26, the Cup Series has few opportunities, while the Xfinity Series is full of talent. The need to go to a team where he could compete for wins may be too much.
So what does Spire offer Haley?
Mainly two things: first, a team that wants to win and wants to win now. That has not been a secret of the team’s off-season signings—one of those being Champion Crew Chief Rodney Childers.
Many drivers would nibble at the opportunity to work with a Crew Chief who is so well respected. For Haley, who, at Kauling’s Cup Series program, struggled to get over some developmental humps, Childers offers the ability to take his skill to the next level.
Haley and Spire have a history. For Spire, that could mean a fresh start with a familiar face. That win that Haley had? That was with Spire, the driver and team’s only Cup Series win.
Haley, who ran all but two races for the team in 2021, knows where the team was and what it could be.
Then, a part-time team, just happy to go racing, Spire is now committed to becoming a real team in the NASCAR Cup Series. Spire has created a developmental program in the Truck Series alongside the mentioned signings and firing.
In signing Haley, Spire would have a consistent veteran needing some help, Michael McDowell, a winning veteran with a winning mindset, and Carson Hocevar, an up-and-coming high-value prospect.
Last but not least, Haley may be the best free-agent Cup Series regular left. That is if he is a free agent.
Pessimism is fun, right? However, there is an honest conversation about whether Haley should or could go to Spire.
Rick Ware Racing has struggled historically. As plain as it is, with Haley’s mid-level season being the team’s best, the team should make a valiant effort to keep him.
Moreover, there is no way of knowing what Haley could do with better equipment. Although he could maintain his current speed with better equipment, there is no way of knowing until he does.
Staying in the Ford camp, Haley could have two other options available. First, Front Row Motorsports still has one spot to fill; now, a tier one team, Haley could step up with the team, similar to how FRM did with Ford.
Moreover, RFK Racing, a team from which RWR and Haley have benefitted from an alliance, could have a third entry next season. There are rumors that Kroger could bring much-needed funding for the team to do so.
Haley could be a natural fit if he wanted to stay with Ford. But for now, many fans turn their attention back to the bowtie and Spire.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know your opinions on Discord or X, and don’t forget you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
