Kevin Harvick recently shared his thoughts on the surprising and abrupt departure of Rodney Childers from Spire Motorsports, a move that caught much of the NASCAR world off guard. Childers, one of the sport’s most respected and experienced crew chiefs, was hired by Spire ahead of the 2025 season to work with driver Justin Haley. However, just nine races into the season, the partnership came to an end, prompting questions across the garage.
Speaking on his podcast, Happy Hour, Harvick admitted he was stunned by the news, noting that it happened much earlier than anyone expected. While official statements described the decision as mutual, Harvick hinted that there may have been underlying issues in the team dynamic that made the working relationship unsustainable. He emphasized that even in a sport where performance matters, interpersonal and structural fit are just as crucial.
Harvick, who enjoyed immense success with Childers at Stewart-Haas Racing—including a Cup Series title in 2014—spoke highly of his former crew chief’s ability and reputation. He expressed confidence that Childers would bounce back and find another meaningful opportunity in NASCAR. “Rodney’s someone who can elevate any program,” Harvick said. “He’s a winner, and people respect him across the industry.”
Childers also offered a statement suggesting that, despite early optimism, it became clear the pairing with Spire wasn’t working. The team was sitting 23rd in the standings when the split occurred, reflecting struggles both on and off the track. For now, Childers remains focused on continuing his NASCAR career, with Harvick and others believing his story is far from over.
