Denny Hamlin Breaks Silence on Rodney Childers’ Shocking Spire Motorsports Exit, Reveals Key Insight into NASCAR Drama

The NASCAR Cup Series was rocked by a stunning development as Spire Motorsports and legendary crew chief Rodney Childers parted ways after just nine races into the 2025 season, prompting widespread speculation and debate across the racing community. The abrupt split, announced over the Easter weekend, ended a partnership that had been hailed as a game-changer for Spire, given Childers’ storied history of 40 Cup Series wins and a 2014 championship with Kevin Harvick. Denny Hamlin, a veteran driver and co-owner of 23XI Racing, has now weighed in on the saga, offering a candid perspective that sheds light on the underlying issues, while Childers’ future remains a hot topic amid rumors of a potential move to Kyle Busch’s team.

Childers joined Spire Motorsports in mid-2024 with high expectations, signing a multi-year deal to lead Justin Haley’s No. 7 team as part of the organization’s ambitious expansion to a three-car operation. Spire, bolstered by a strengthened alliance with Hendrick Motorsports, aimed to leverage Childers’ expertise to elevate their competitive standing. However, the collaboration fell short of its promise. Haley, under Childers’ guidance, managed a best finish of 10th at Homestead-Miami Speedway, sitting 23rd in the standings with an average finish of 20.2—far below the expectations set by Childers’ championship pedigree. While Spire showed flashes of potential, such as Carson Hocevar’s runner-up at Atlanta, the chemistry between Childers and the No. 7 team never fully clicked, leading to the mutual decision to part ways.

Denny Hamlin, speaking on his “Actions Detrimental” podcast, provided a nuanced take on the split, highlighting cultural mismatches rather than performance as the root cause. Hamlin praised Childers’ historical impact, noting his dominance in the Gen 6 era, where he could “put his fingerprints on the car” and deliver results with precision. “Rodney has been a game-changer… one of the best crew chiefs to ever do it,” Hamlin said, but he acknowledged that Childers’ results in the Next Gen era haven’t matched his past success, attributing this to broader variables in modern NASCAR racing. Hamlin pointed to a revealing moment during the offseason, when Childers appeared detached at a Spire team event, saying, “I just kind of keep to myself,” and dismissing a meeting as unnecessary. Hamlin found this attitude concerning, noting, “That’s not the best way to kick this thing off,” suggesting early signs of friction that ultimately led to the partnership’s demise after just nine races.

Spire co-owner Jeff Dickerson echoed the sentiment of a mismatched dynamic in an official statement, saying, “NASCAR is an ever-evolving sport, and the path to improvement isn’t always comfortable… We collectively acknowledge challenges with the team dynamic.” Justin Haley, caught off guard by the decision, admitted he had no input in the process, while teammate Carson Hocevar revealed the split wasn’t surprising to insiders, calling it a “strategic move” by Spire to prioritize long-term goals over short-term results. Childers, in his statement, expressed gratitude to Spire, Haley, and Hendrick Motorsports, but emphasized the need for a break, saying, “I’m going to take a little time, focus on my family and friends, and see what the racing world holds for me next.”

As Childers steps back—his recent social media update showing a beachside family moment—speculation swirls about his next move. With Kyle Busch struggling in 2025, fans and insiders have floated a potential pairing, though Childers’ focus on family suggests he’s in no rush. Despite the setback, his legacy as the second-winningest active crew chief ensures his value in the garage. For Spire, the road ahead involves finding a new leader for the No. 7 team, while the NASCAR community watches closely to see if Childers will return to rewrite his story in the sport he’s long dominated.