“I’m Going to Take a Little Time”- Rodney Childers Breaks Silence on Shocking Spire Motorsports Split With Cryptic Career Message

It felt like a bold new chapter when Rodney Childers joined Spire Motorsports last year. The announcement was huge. Spire wasn’t just hiring any crew chief — they were bringing in the most decorated active leader on the pit box. With 40 Cup wins and a 2014 championship alongside Kevin Harvick, Childers was the kind of move that signaled ambition. At the time, team co-owner Jeff Dickerson didn’t mince words.

“Rodney is a Hall-of-Fame-worthy, championship-winning crew chief. He will make us better the moment he walks into our shop,” he said. The initial plan was to pair him with Corey LaJoie for the 2025 season. That didn’t last. Soon after, LaJoie was out, and Justin Haley was in for the No. 7 Chevrolet. Despite the reshuffle, the mood around Spire was upbeat. Childers said, “Spire continues to invest in people, and that’s what makes a difference these days.”

It felt like the beginning of something strong. Fast forward to now, and that hopeful vision has taken a dramatic turn. Only nine races into the season, Childers and Spire have split — a sudden and unexpected move that left fans and insiders stunned. And in the middle of the confusion, Childers quietly dropped a cryptic message that suggests he’s not rushing back into anything.

Rodney Childers fails to put up a show at Spire!

On Wednesday, Spire Motorsports confirmed that Rodney Childers and the No. 7 team had parted ways. Justin Haley, who currently drives the car, sits 23rd in points with one top-10 finish. Despite some flashes of potential, like a strong showing at Bristol where Haley ran inside the top 10 most of the day, the results weren’t there. Spire issued a statement saying the Cup Series break gave them time to reassess, and after discussions, both sides agreed to move on.

Team co-owner Jeff Dickerson called the decision difficult but necessary. “NASCAR is an ever-evolving sport, and the path to improvement isn’t always comfortable. Having the right combination of talent is just as important as the results on track,” he said.  In his own words, Childers was candid. “I know this is a shock. But also know that not everything works out perfectly all the time. That’s how life works,” he posted on X.

“This was just one of those things that just wasn’t working for either of us.” He thanked Spire, Justin Haley, Chevrolet, Rick Hendrick, and the NASCAR community. But then he added, “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.” It wasn’t an announcement of retirement. But it wasn’t a promise of staying in NASCAR, either.

Rodney Childers and Spire have parted ways. Justin Haley to have new crew chief. https://t.co/Tu1ifntI1r

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 23, 2025

Notably, Childers has earned that break. In 685 starts as a Cup Series crew chief, he’s posted 40 wins. Thirty-seven of those came during his time with Harvick at Stewart-Haas Racing from 2014 to 2023. That run included the 2014 championship and five Final Four appearances. Before that, Childers notched wins at Michael Waltrip Racing and worked stints with Evernham and Jasper-Penske. But the last two seasons have been hard.

The Next Gen car limited his creative edge. He and Harvick won just twice under the new model before SHR’s shutdown. Still, many believed that pairing Childers with an up-and-comer like Haley could revive his rhythm. The flashes were there — like Haley running top-10 pace at Bristol — but the consistency wasn’t. The timing is puzzling. Spire had invested heavily in Childers.

The team’s alliance with Hendrick Motorsports seemed like a perfect fit for him. But perhaps the adjustment to Spire’s system — very different from his control at SHR — was too much too soon. He recently lost longtime car chief “Cheddar” Smith to Joe Gibbs Racing. The chemistry may never have fully developed. And now, just as it was starting, it’s over. Despite the split, Childers leaves with his reputation untouched.

He remains the second-winningest active crew chief in the NASCAR Cup Series. His track record speaks for itself — championships, wins, respect across the garage. He has nothing to prove. The bigger question now is: what’s next? Will he return mid-season with another team, or is this a true step away from the pit box? Either way, his influence on the sport is far from done. And now, Spire must regroup again — this time without the biggest name they hired in years.

Who can replace Childers at Spire Motorsports?

With Childers out, Spire has a few in-house and external candidates who could step in. The obvious internal choice is Ryan Sparks, the former crew chief for the No. 7 team. Sparks knows this team better than anyone. He was Corey LaJoie’s crew chief before being promoted to Spire’s competition director. He helped build Spire’s culture and understands its systems, personnel, and long-term goals.

If the team wants minimal disruption, Sparks stepping back in makes sense. He’s tactical, respected by drivers, and already understands the expectations of the No. 7 car. He could easily take over on an interim basis, especially if Spire wants to groom a younger long-term replacement. Then there’s Matt McCall, Spire’s current director of vehicle performance. McCall has experience leading programs at Chip Ganassi Racing and RFK Racing. He understands the day-to-day demands of a crew chief role and could step in quickly if needed.

Outside the organization, Bootie Barker is a veteran name worth watching. He led Bubba Wallace to his breakthrough win in 2021 and has worked with underdog teams throughout his career. His calm leadership and resourceful mindset fit the Spire culture, especially during a rebuild. Another strong option is Greg Ives. A former Hendrick Motorsports crew chief with a championship pedigree, Ives brings experience with the Chevrolet camp and technical knowledge that could benefit Spire’s growing infrastructure.

No matter who they pick, Spire knows this hire needs to work, especially after parting ways with someone of Childers’ caliber. One thing is clear: Rodney Childers is out. Spire Motorsports is resetting. And the garage is now watching closely to see what happens next, both for the No. 7 team and the man who just walked away, saying, “I’m going to take a little time.”

The post “I’m Going to Take a Little Time”- Rodney Childers Breaks Silence on Shocking Spire Motorsports Split With Cryptic Career Message appeared first on EssentiallySports.