Brad Keselowski's cryptic comment on Justin Haley's future with Hendrick Motorsports has created a stir in the NASCAR world. The Michigan-based racer's response, shared on social media by senior journalist Bob Pockrass, has received a lot of remarks from fans.
Spire Motorsports revealed about the swap between Corey LaJoie and Justin Haley in a press release. The team announced the arrival of the 25-year-old driver in their #7 team before the upcoming Hollywood Casino 400 race at Kansas Speedway.
With Haley earning Rick Ware Racing's two top-10 finishes on non-drafting tracks this season, rumors of the Indiana-based driver replacing the LaJoie had been circulating lately. Adding to the rumors was the likely involvement of Rick Hendrick in the Spire deal.
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The move also raises the possibility of the current #51 driver joining Hendrick Motorsports as a replacement for Alex Bowman in the #48 car, but the latter's contract is valid till the end of 2026.
Speaking about the situation with NASCAR journalist Pockrass, Keselowski shared a cryptic comment about Haley's move to Spire.
"Justin 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," Keselowski said (0:11 onwards).
The aforementioned post by Pockrass has received a lot of remarks from NASCAR fans.
"Yep, Haley in the 48 in 26! Poor Bowman!," replied a fan.
"Was Haley promised the 48 in 2026?," questioned another fan.
"I feel like a lot of better prospects over Haley," wrote a fan.
"Ugh???? He basically just said Haley is at Hendrick in 2026 😳," Quoted another fan in a surprised tone.
"Haley to the 48 is still happening just give it a year or 2" added a fan.
"Ohhhh myy godd. As I read this: Hendrick poached Brad's top prospect, so brad just announced that Hendrick is dumping Bowman after 25 in favor of Haley. Brad knew exactly what he was doing. He just threw a grenade into the Hendrick camp." Wrote another fan, explaining the situation.
"That rumor has certainly been annoying" - Alex Bowman cleared the air about firing from Hendrick Motorsports
With below-average performance since the last season, rumors of Alex Bowman getting sacked by Hendrick Motorsports at the end of 2024 have been circulating in the NASCAR community. However, the Arizona-based racer shut them down during the Playoffs Media Day interaction.
With a winless 2023 Cup Series season, fans began speculating about Bowman's exit from HMS. These rumors were further fueled by NASCAR spotter Brett Griffin's comment during the Door Bumper Clear podcast, along with the delay in the announcement of the driver's line-up by the squad.
Despite the odds, Bowman cleared the air regarding the speculation during the mandatory Playoffs Media Day interaction.
"That rumor has certainly been annoying. Obviously, my contract is through the end of 2026 and all I can tell you is what my bosses have told me and that there's no plans to change anything.
"Rumors are just rumors. Hopefully, they'll get their announcements done so my rumors stop. As far as I know, I'm driving the 48 next year and nothing's changing," he said.
Bowman is fourth in the 2024 driver's table with one win, seven top 5s and 13 top 10 finishes. He has also grabbed pole position for the upcoming Bass Pro Shops Night Race at the Bristol Motor Speedway, further showcasing his commitment to Hendrick Motorsports.
