Spire Motorsports pays tribute to cancer heroes at high-stakes Daytona race
Spire Motorsports prepares to tackle the upcoming high-stakes Daytona race while paying tribute to cancer heroes. As the NASCAR Cup Series season draws to a close, the team is gearing up for a crucial appearance at the Daytona International Speedway. In a touching gesture, all three Spire-prepared Chevrolet ZL1s will feature the names of cancer survivors during the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Saturday. This initiative aligns with the Martin Truex, Jr., Foundation and NASCAR Foundation’s Honor a Cancer Hero Campaign. Alongside honoring cancer survivors, the team, representing drivers Justin Haley, Michael McDowell, and Carson Hocevar, is also eyeing valuable playoff berths, adding significance to the race weekend.
The anticipation surrounding the upcoming Daytona race is amplified by Spire Motorsports’ track record at the legendary 2.5-mile oval. With 25 previous starts at Daytona, the team has secured impressive achievements, including a remarkable upset victory in the 2019 Coke Zero Sugar 400, as well as multiple top-five and top-10 finishes. The 2025 lineup, comprising Justin Haley in the No. 7, Michael McDowell in the No. 71, and Carson Hocevar in the No. 77, is poised to build on these past successes. The highly anticipated season finale will be broadcast live on NBC on Saturday, August 23 from 7:30 p.m. EDT, marking the conclusion of the regular season and the final determination of the playoff field.
Justin Haley, driving the No. 7 Gainbridge Chevrolet ZL1, is set to lead the charge at Daytona. Reminiscing about his breakthrough victory at the track in 2019, Haley gears up for this year’s race by honoring the cancer journeys of Tabatha Guaglianone and Mary Rogers on his car. Haley’s deep connection to Daytona is evident from his track record, with a win, a top-10 finish, and multiple top-20 results in his ten previous Cup Series starts at the iconic venue. Additionally, Haley’s strong performances in the Xfinity Series at Daytona reflect his versatility and readiness to tackle the challenge of superspeedway racing.
Crew Chief Ryan Sparks, a seasoned strategist with an impressive track record at Daytona, is instrumental in guiding Justin Haley and the team to success. Sparks’ experience and expertise in the NASCAR Cup Series, coupled with his prior achievements at Daytona, position him as a critical asset as the Daytona race unfolds. Michael McDowell, handling the No. 71 Fly Alliance Chevrolet ZL1, enters the weekend aiming to replicate his historic Daytona 500 victory from 2021. With a win, a pole position, and several top-five and top-10 finishes at Daytona, McDowell is no stranger to success at the challenging superspeedway.
For this weekend’s race, the No. 71 Chevrolet will forgo its usual branding to pay homage to two cancer heroes: Jeanann Orna, a resilient nurse and mother who battled breast and ovarian cancer, and Adam Brookhart, who supports her cause. McDowell’s determination and skill, combined with his past achievements at Daytona, make him a formidable contender with a must-win mentality for the upcoming race. As the excitement builds for the high-stakes race at Daytona, Spire Motorsports remains focused on honoring cancer heroes while pursuing their playoff aspirations.