Rodney Childers first NASCAR track appearance since controversial Spire Motorsports exit

Legendary NASCAR crew chief Rodney Childers made a dramatic first appearance at Wilkesboro this weekend, the home of the All-Star race, a month after his dramatic departure from Spire Motorsports. The 48-year-old parted ways with Spire after the partnership with the team as Justin Haley’s crew chief didn’t work out.

Childers’ quick exit from NASCAR sent shockwaves through the sport, considering his extensive experience following 11 years spent with Stewart-Haas Racing before its closure and just shy of a year on Spire’s books after signing a multi-year deal. “I know this is a shock. But also know that not everything works out perfect all the time. That’s how life works,” Childers wrote on X. “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 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.”

A month after his departure from Spire, Childers showed his face at this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series All-Star race at Wilkesboro. According to The Sporting News, Childers was the center of attention after spending 30 minutes in the NASCAR hauler.

Childers said he wasn’t in trouble and wanted to see his former drivers, teams, and crew chiefs. “It’s just, you know, a lot of respect here,” Childers told The Sporting News. “I have so much respect for this sport, the other crew chiefs, car chiefs, mechanics, reporters and broadcasters.

“There isn’t a part of this sport that I have ever disliked. I miss being on the pit box and leading a group. The thing I miss the most is being the leader — controlling a meeting and all those things. But yeah, the phone has been pretty quiet, and I wish I could say different, but it’s been pretty quiet.”

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One of Childers’ signature accomplishments was winning 37 races and a championship with Kevin Harvick at Stewart-Haas Racing. He’s likely looking for a new landing spot with the shot at creating more NASCAR history.

“At the same time, I also think it was for the best to let things calm down a little bit,” Childers added. “I’ve been able to spend time and enjoy some things with (wife) Katrina and the boys, spend Mother’s Day with my mom but I needed to get back to the race track. I wanted to see this group, the teams and officials, because I’ve had some people reach out but there’s just not a lot out there this time of the year.”

Still, Childers never left motorsport alone entirely in his absence from NASCAR. He linked up with Harvick on his CARS Tour operation. The duo already enjoyed great success.

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“I mean, the biggest thing is just when Kevin asks me to do something, I do it,” Childers continued. “You know, everyone knows how much he’s done for me over all the year and he changed my whole life.

“You think about the Cup races we won and our relationship is just something that people don’t come across often in this sport. He asked me to help them out and it’s just been really great working on some things over there.”