"I don't know the internal workings": Justin Haley makes feeling clear after getting Kyle Larson’s crew in midseason change

By Siddharth Koyal

Modified Apr 06, 2025 18:43 GMT

NASCAR: DAYTONA 500 - Source: Imagn — Justin Haley (7) pits during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, February 16th 2025 - Source: Imagn

A different pit team will join NASCAR Cup Series driver Justin Haley than he's used to at this weekend's event at the Darlington Raceway. Haley's #7 vehicle will be serviced by the pit crew of Kyle Larson, with the two drivers swapping most of their five-person team that works on the vehicle during the race.

Speaking about the change mid-season, the #7 driver admitted that he doesn't know all the details about why the swap was made but has faith in the #5 crew, given that they helped secure a victory at the Homestead-Miami Speedway earlier this season.

Speaking with NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass, the Spire Motorsports driver explained that while he was comfortable with his crew, he knew that the #5 team was also going to be as effective.

"Obviously I was really happy with the guys that were on our car, and they did a great job start of the season. I don't know the internal workings of it, right? I just heard that we got the #5 crew. I know all the Hendrick pit crews are really good, and obviously they won a race, and did really well last season too - this #5 crew that's coming over," Haley said.

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Larson's team, Hendrick Motorsports, acts as a pit-crew supplier to Haley and his two teammates, Carson Hocevar and Michael McDowell. William Byron, the pilot of HMS #24 car, also spoke about the swap, making it clear that it wasn't a surprising move given the data they received.

"It's a bit surprising probably from the outside. But, from looking at pit times and the reports that we get, the #7 guys have been fast."

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From the #5 team, front changer Blaine Anderson, rear changer Calvin Teague, jackman Brandon Johnson and tire carrier RJ Barnette will now be working on Justin Haley's car, while front tire changer Jafar Hall, rear changer Mike Moss, jackman Eric Ludwig, tire carrier Allen Stallings will work with Kyle Larson. The fueler (Brandon Harder) for both teams will remain the same.

Haley, accompanied by a new pit team, will be starting today's race from 21st place, while Larson starts 19th.

Justin Haley's team pokes fun at the driver having 'Darlington Stripe'

The "Darlington Stripe" is a phrase that refers to the scuff marks that appear on the cars after they come into close contact with the barriers at a track that's been called "Too Tough To Tame". Spire Motorsports, Justin Haley's team, poked fun at their driver on Instagram, who was wearing a t-shirt that already seemed to have the famous stripe.

"Can’t get a Darlington stripe if you already have one."

The Goodyear 400 will start at 3:00 p.m. ET and broadcast on Fox Sports 1, with radio coverage by MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

About the author

Siddharth Koyal is an F1 and NASCAR journalist at Sportskeeda with a background in Cinema & Media Studies. His academic journey, centered on crafting analytical essays and in-depth critiques, honed his writing skills and solidified his love for storytelling. Combining his expertise in writing with a lifelong passion for Formula 1, Siddharth brings insightful and engaging content to readers, blending analytical precision with a fan’s enthusiasm.

With four years of professional experience, Siddharth has worked in diverse roles, including as a Telephone Interviewer at York University and a Wholesale Trade Manager at Brands By Bravo. These experiences sharpened his skills in communication, research, and management, which he now leverages to craft compelling narratives about the world of motorsports.

Siddharth stays up-to-date on the latest developments in motorsports by following credible news sources, team press releases, and motorsport governing bodies. He also engages actively with the vibrant F1 community on platforms like Twitter, where drivers, teams, and fans drive dynamic conversations. A fan of Nico Hulkenberg, he draws inspiration from the driver's resilience and dependability, traits he seeks to emulate in his work.

Outside of writing, Siddharth is an avid film and TV enthusiast and enjoys playing video games. At Sportskeeda, he aims to be a trusted source for readers, delivering accurate and thought-provoking content about the ever-evolving world of motorsports.

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Edited by Rupesh