Championship-winning NASCAR figure 'ready' for return after shock Cup Series exit

Renowned NASCAR crew chief and former driver Rodney Childers has teased a return despite abruptly leaving the Cup Series earlier this year.

The 49-year-old announced his shock exit from Spire Motorsports back in April, less than a year after the team were applauded for hiring his championship-winning talents.

Childers was Kevin Harvick's crew chief when he won the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series championship and had been hired to reprise the role with Justin Haley's No. 7 Chevrolet from the start of this season.

However, Childers left the organization after just nine races, with both he and his former team posting official statements to confirm the surprise exit.

Now, less than two months on, a passionate NASCAR fan has taken to social media in an attempt to entice the legend out of retirement. The post on 'X' read, "Rodney, retirement looks great on you. Now become unretired. Get back on that box."

Will Rodney Childers return to NASCAR?

Childers shared a bold response, also on 'X', confirming that he was ready to come back: "I promise you, I’m ready.."

The verdict from Childers himself comes as almost as much of a surprise as his exit did, especially given that such a short amount of time has passed since he confirmed his decision to leave Spire Motorsports.

At the time of the announcement, his statement read: "I know this is a shock. But also know that not everything works out perfect all the time. That's how life works. This was just one of those things that just wasn't working for either of us. I appreciate my time at Spire, working with JH [Haley] and the entire 7 team. We did a lot of good that is yet to be seen, and I wish them the best in the future.

"Also want to say thank you to everyone at Chevrolet, Mr H. [Rick Hendrick] and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports for my time working with them again. It was a pleasure. Thank you to NASCAR, the officials, and most importantly the fans for your support."

Should Childers find a way to return to the box, it could be that another team are a better fit for him after it was confirmed by Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson that his abrupt dismissal was not about results, instead implying it was more about the 'communication' in the relationship.

I promise you, I’m ready.. https://t.co/9nKkMirzLG

— Rodney Childers (@RodneyChilders4) June 8, 2025

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