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Brad Keselowski's recent remarks about Justin Haley's swap with Corey LaJoie at Spire Motorsports have ignited discussions among NASCAR fans. Keselowski hinted they couldn't provide Haley with the same career opportunities offered by Spire Motorsports.
Rick Ware Racing driver Justin Haley recently participated in a deal that would see him drive the remaining seven races for Spire Motorsports, while Spire driver Corey LaJoie would pilot the #51 Ford for RWR. In an interesting yet unconventional turn of events, there seems to be an involvement of Hendrick Motorsport owner, Rick Hendrick, in the 25-year-old Haley's deal.
Speaking with Bob Pockrass, RFK Racing co-owner, Brad Keselowski, who is in a technical alliance with RWR, gave a cryptic comment when asked about his knowledge of the driver switch. The 2012 Cup Series champion said:
"Justin[Haley] had a career opportunity that there wasn't anything we could match. To be a part of Rick Hendrick's deal there and what that means for him after [20]25, that's their announcement to have. But certainly everybody, I think, can respect and understand that."
Following the 40-year-old's response, NASCAR fans have begun speculating that Haley could potentially replace Alex Bowman at Hendrick Motorsports when Bowman's contract expires.
For the time being, though, Haley is scheduled to return to Spire Motorsports, where he began his Cup Series career and achieved his first and only victory in NASCAR's top-tier division.
"Spire and HMS have a strong relationship," Justin Haley on Hendrick Motorsports playing a role in the deal
In a recent media interaction during the Bristol weekend, Justin Haley was questioned about the ongoing speculation surrounding Rick Hendrick's Hendrick Motorsports' potential involvement in his transfer to Spire Motorsports. Here's what he said in response (via Bob Pockrass ):
"I mean, it’s clear that Spire and HMS have a strong relationship. I think everyone in here knows that."
Furthermore, Haley shared the reasons behind his return to the team where he clinched his maiden Cup Series victory in his third career start at the 2019 Coke Zero Sugar 400. He said:
"Jeff Dickerson called me and presented me an opportunity to drive the 7 car for him, and it’s a homecoming for me to be able to get back with Jeff and everyone else at Spire Motorsports. There’s where I started my career, and you know, race as hard as I do every weekend."
"Super thankful that Jeff Dickerson made the call to want me to drive his race car again and everyone at Spire for giving me this opportunity so yeah we’re gonna go out there and do the best we can," Haley added.
Haley will be next seen driving the #7 Chevy for Spire Motorsports at Kansas Speedway for the Hollywood Casino 400 event on September 29.
