CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Daniel Suarez, the only Mexican driver at NASCAR's top level, on Wednesday was named Justin Haley's replacement at Spire Motorsports.

Suarez, the first driver hired by Trackhouse Racing when it launched in 2021, is being replaced after five seasons by 19-year-old Connor Zilisch next year.

Spire co-owner Jeff Dickerson said the pairing gives Suarez and the No. 7 Chevrolet team an opportunity to prove both are capable of being weekly contenders. Suarez has not won a race this year and missed the 16-driver playoff field, while Haley has the No. 7 car ranked 31st in the Cup Series standings with just two top-10 finishes.

Haley scored the only Cup win in Spire history with a victory at Daytona International Speedway in the 2019 July race.

“When it came down to it, it’

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