In a notable NASCAR Truck Series midseason change, rookie driver Andres Perez has switched teams for the remainder of the 2024 season. On Monday, Spire Motorsports announced they had released Perez, and shortly after, Niece Motorsports confirmed that Perez will drive their No. 44 Chevrolet for the rest of his rookie campaign. This unexpected move adds to the ongoing roster adjustments within the series.
Details on Driver Movements and Upcoming Race Implications
Andres Perez, 20, earned the ARCA Menards Series championship earlier this year and currently stands 17th in the Truck Series standings following the August 8 race at Watkins Glen. With the Truck Series scheduled to return on August 15 at Richmond Raceway for the regular-season finale, Perez faces pressure to win the race if he hopes to qualify for the playoffs. Meanwhile, Spire Motorsports has named veteran Corey LaJoie, who brings experience from 275 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/motorsports/nascar/cup-series/”>NASCAR Cup Series starts, as Perez’s replacement in the No. 77 truck for the remainder of the season.
Context Surrounding Recent NASCAR Truck Series Team Decisions
This team change comes shortly after Niece Motorsports released Kaden Honeycutt, a driver secured comfortably in the Truck Series playoff spots, who now drives the No. 52 Toyota for Halmar Friesen Racing for 2025. Although Perez’s release may seem surprising, Spire Motorsports has previously made several assertive lineup decisions during their growth phase, such as the notable driver swap with Rick Ware Racing last year involving LaJoie and Justin Haley for the final Cup Series events.
Veteran Presence and Future Prospects for Perez and Spire Motorsports
LaJoie’s addition brings a seasoned competitor to Spire Motorsports, a team still striving for a Truck Series championship alongside driver Rajah Caruth. As for Perez, transitioning quickly into his new environment at Niece Motorsports is critical to gaining momentum toward his second season in 2026, where expectations are high following his early success.
Insights on Perez’s Potential and Career Trajectory
Covering NASCAR for Yardbarker since early 2024, Samuel notes that Perez hails from the same region as NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, which could symbolize a promising future. Building on this fresh start, Perez’s ability to adapt and perform will be vital as the Truck Series approaches its critical playoff phase.
“Spire Motorsports has released truck series driver Andres Perez de Lara.”
— Spire Motorsports official announcement