“I hope so he comes every race,” Landen Lewis said after winning the CARS Tour race in Florence last night. The 19-year-old couldn’t stop smiling, not just because he took home the trophy, but because of who was back in the pits with him: Rodney Childers. Yes, that Rodney Childers, the championship-winning crew chief who once called the shots for Kevin Harvick in the Cup Series.

Lewis made sure to give him a special shoutout (again this week), and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. Having a mind like Childers turning wrenches and dialing in setups on short tracks is like having Tom Brady draw up plays in a high school football game. But beneath the surface of Lewis’ victory celebrations, Childers himself hinted at something much deeper.

Rodney Childers finds silver lining back on track

Rodney Childers returned to the racetrack this spring. But not with a Cup car. After parting ways with Spire Motorsports just nine races into the season, he found refuge in grassroots racing, assisting Kevin Harvick Inc.’s CARS Tour effort with rising talent Landen Lewis. Lewis capitalized on the mentorship, securing four CARS LMSC Tour wins in 2025 to date. He remains a top contender for the title prize.

On the other hand, Rodney Childers’ departure from Spire wasn’t driven by results. Justin Haley had produced modest finishes early in the season. Childers’ exit was rather a matter of fit, and a mutual decision was made by both Spire and Childers. “It just wasn’t working,” Childers had revealed the reason for the split.

Recently, after Lewis’ win, Childers didn’t shy away from expressing how much he misses the bright lights of Cup Series competition: “I miss being on the Cup side. I miss winning even bigger trophies…it hurts.” That raw honesty reveals just how deeply racing is woven into his identity.

Childers’ resume speaks for itself. He won the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship alongside driver Kevin Harvick, marking a pinnacle achievement in his career. Over more than two decades in the Cup Series, Childers has accumulated 40 wins and nearly 300 top-10 finishes as a crew chief. His vast experience, success, and determination make him a highly sought-after figure in NASCAR today.

Though no Cup return has been confirmed (yet), Childers has hinted that his story isn’t finished. “I know bigger and better things are on the way,” he remarked at the end. Whether that means a comeback on NASCAR’s national stage or more wins at the grassroots level, one thing is certain: Rodney Childers isn’t done chasing trophies.

Justin Haley’s future at Spire Motorsports

Justin Haley’s seat at Spire Motorsports looks far from secure heading into the 2026 season. Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic confirmed Haley is “very much on the hot seat,” with Spire considering alternative options despite Haley’s late-season surge in performance.

Former Trackhouse driver Daniel Suárez is one of the leading names being floated as a potential replacement. As a free agent, he brings both Cup race-winning experience and an international fanbase, a compelling package for a team eager for momentum. Another option on Spire’s radar is Ricky Stenhouse Jr., currently under contract with Hyak Motorsports. While bringing seasoned expertise, a switch would likely involve a buyout negotiation, a more complex, but not impossible move.

Despite the speculation, Haley still has a say in his future. His performance over the final 10 races could tip the scales. Haley has delivered few of the results Spire wants, but recent top-20 runs, like Sonoma, Dover, Indy, and that clutch third-place finish at Daytona, have helped cool the heat for now.

Spire’s aspirations align with TWG Motorsports’ broader growth strategy. They want to expand beyond Cup’s backmarkers and align with Andretti Global and Cadillac F1’s sponsorship ambitions. Haley, at just 26, still represents a youthful investment, but his opportunity might be slipping.

So, who gets the nod? Suárez offers star power and experience; Stenhouse, veteran consistency. Haley needs to prove he’s the better long-term bet. Regardless of the outcome, Spire’s decision will be one of Silly Season’s most-watched moves.