Spire Motorsports committed to Carson Hocevar long-term even before the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season began, announcing that he had signed a multi-year extension to remain behind the wheel of the No. 77 Chevrolet into the 2030s. But there was no news about either of their other two entries over the eight months that followed.
Daniel Suarez has experienced a career resurgence in his first season behind the wheel of the No. 7 Chevrolet, winning the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and qualifying for the postseason after a disappointing end to his five-year run at Trackhouse Racing.
It was largely viewed as a foregone conclusion that Suarez would be back in the No. 7 car next year, and now the team have confirmed that the 34-year-old Mexican driver has signed a contract extension to return in 2027.
You've been asking for this.
— Spire Motorsports (@SpireMotorsport) October 13, 2026
We've signed @Daniel_SuarezG to an extension for the 2027 season. pic.twitter.com/TInPZT2TLH
Now all eyes have shifted to the No. 71 Chevrolet.
Michael McDowell has driven that car since 2025, but he is the team's only driver who did not qualify for the playoffs this year. Additionally, he is their only driver who has yet to win a race for the organization.
Corey Day is expected to run select races in a fourth entry for Spire Motorsports next year, having already signed with Hendrick Motorsports to return to the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series team for a second full season, so he does not appear to be an immediate threat to take over the No. 71 car full-time.
McDowell, the 2021 Daytona 500 winner with Front Row Motorsports, has said that he could see development driver Tristan McKee replacing him one day, but with McKee having just turned 16 years old, the question appears to be whether or not somebody else will replace McDowell first. The Phoenix, Arizona, native is set to turn 42 years old in December.
All things considered, it would be a surprise if Spire Motorsports make any changes to their lineup from 2026 to 2027. That said, John Hunter Nemechek is unexpectedly without a ride after his Legacy Motor Club seat went to Josh Berry, and Brad Keselowski is surprisingly looking for a new home, preferably with an ownership stake, after his departure from RFK Racing was announced.
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