Avondale, AZ – Spire Motorsports competed at Phoenix Raceway this past weekend in the NASCAR Cup Series, fielding three Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s as the series concluded its race on Sunday, March 8, 2026. The team, with drivers in the Nos. 7, 71, and 77 entries, faced a challenging race, highlighted by both strong practice runs and a late repair to the No. 77 machine.
The weekend began promisingly for Spire Motorsports, with drivers showcasing competitive speed during practice sessions. Carson Hocevar and Corey LaJoie demonstrated particularly strong performances, setting the pace in early practice. According to reports, LaJoie clocked a lap of 133.944 mph (26.877s), leading the Cup Series practice at Phoenix Raceway. This initial speed set a positive tone for the team heading into the race, signaling potential for a strong showing at the one-mile oval. The team’s presence at Phoenix is part of a broader schedule that includes upcoming races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Darlington, as outlined on the Spire Motorsports website.
Practice Performance and Qualifying
The team’s strong practice showing was a key indicator of their preparation and the capabilities of their Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s. The speed displayed by both Hocevar and LaJoie suggested that Spire Motorsports had made significant gains in setup and performance. However, the transition from practice to qualifying and ultimately the race presented modern challenges. While specific qualifying results weren’t immediately available, the practice times indicated a competitive edge for the team. The focus remained on translating that speed into a successful race day performance.
Late Repair for the No. 77 Team
Just before the race, the No. 77 team, driven by Carson Hocevar, encountered a setback requiring a last-minute repair. It was discovered that the team needed to replace the alternator, forcing a scramble to get the car ready for the green flag. This unexpected issue pushed Hocevar to the rear of the field for the start of the race, adding an extra layer of difficulty to his already challenging task. Despite the setback, the team worked diligently to address the mechanical issue and ensure Hocevar could compete.
Race Day Developments
The NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway saw intense competition, with drivers battling for position throughout the event. While detailed race results for Spire Motorsports’ drivers were not immediately available, the team’s commitment to performance was evident. Hocevar, starting from the rear due to the alternator issue, faced an uphill battle to regain lost ground. The team’s strategy focused on maximizing track position and minimizing mistakes, aiming for a solid finish despite the adversity.
Final preperations are underway for Carson Hocevar before strapping into his Spire Motorsports Chevrolet. Zack Albert | NASCAR Digital
Looking Ahead
Spire Motorsports will now turn its attention to the upcoming Pennzoil 400 Presented by Jiffy Lube at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The team will analyze the data and lessons learned from Phoenix Raceway to further refine their performance and prepare for the challenges ahead. The NASCAR Cup Series season is still in its early stages, and Spire Motorsports remains focused on continuous improvement and maximizing its potential throughout the year. The team’s dedication to fielding competitive Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s, combined with the talent of its drivers, positions them for continued success as the season progresses.
What are your predictions for Spire Motorsports’ performance at Las Vegas? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow NASCAR fans!
