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via Getty

via Getty

Justin Haley moving to Rick Ware Racing has completely surprised the NASCAR community. An announcement this early in 2023, when the move capitalizes next season, is one of the things that has intrigued the followers of the sport. On another note, the partnership between RFK Racing and Rick Ware Racing seems to keep strengthening, and even more so now with the addition of a young and capable driver like Haley.

Former full-time Cup series spotter for Haley and NASCAR veteran Brett Griffin is vocal about the transfer. Having noticed Haley’s potential as a driver during his time with him last year at Kaulig Racing, he is curious about this surprise move. But despite the promise that the news around the move has shown, Griffin says that history is witness to some unfortunate cases where such switches didn’t work out.

Brett Griffin thinks Justin Haley’s move to Rick Ware Racing could go either way

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Dirty Mo Media has given the spotters a platform to share their opinions with the community through the podcast Door Bumper Clear. Another one of Dale Earnhardt Jr‘s ideas, the podcast, is hosted by the spotter trio of Brett Griffin, TJ Majors, and Freddie Kraft. Airing weekly, the podcast has been a source of entertainment and information for many fans. The discussion in the show’s latest episode gravitates towards the hot topic in NASCAR, Justin Haley and his farewell from Kaulig Racing.

After learning about his former driver’s intentions, Griffin quickly contacted the 24-year-old. On giving it a second thought, Griffin believed this move could possibly be RWR’s ‘smartest decision ever.

“I go back, and I’m thinking, ‘Justin, WTF are you thinking?’ He told me WTF he was thinking and WTF he’s thinking is… He’s been sold on a bill of goods that tells him that Rick Ware Racing is going to do everything they can to make their cars better and make their cars faster.”

Griffin has been a part of many teams over his long-spanning career in NASCAR. And over that time, he has seen many examples where although the moves materialize but the success doesn’t. Clarifying the same, he adds, “And I was a part of situations like this that came true and I was a part of situations like this that didn’t come true.”

It remains a mystery how this move will turn out to be. The addition of RFK Racing and its experienced members will be a huge upgrade over what Haley has at Kaulig Racing. RFK and RWR announced their partnership after terminating their contract technical alliance with Stewart-Haas Racing.

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Brad Keselowski and Co. play a huge role in luring Justin Haley to RWR

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Ever since his breakthrough in 2015 in the Craftsman Truck Series, Haley has been loyal to Chevrolet. But come 2024, he can be seen racing around in a Mustang and in a Rick Ware Racing jumpsuit. The influential people at RFK are one of the reasons that persuaded the Chicago Street Race runner-up. A team led by a former champion like Brad Keselowski and an expert orchestrator like Steve Newmark portrays hope for a bright future.

Griffin on conversing with Haley, came to know about the people that helped RWR strike this deal. But he still is quite skeptical over the future of the project as he says, “When I’m talking to Justin, he keeps reiterating to me, Steve Newmark, Brad Keselowski and Rick Ware and Robby Benton had meetings with Justin and he believes a lot in the alliance that is gonna happen with Keselowski and Roush Fenway. So the question now becomes do we know the future?”

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Another major reason for Haley’s departure is the search of a sponsor. Kaulig Racing and the #31 Chevy’s long-time sponsor LeafFilter Gutter Protection announced earlier that they will not be renewing with Chris Rice and the team for another season. RFK Racing saw this as an opening to avail the services of a young driver.

Speaking on the SiriusXM NASCAR radio, Haley talked about the project set in place with him at the starting point.

“For me, to have the kind of resources that RFK brings with Rick Ware Racing, and having that great partnership was huge for me. That made the decision a little bit easier. They have a new alliance with RFK and are able to utilize that and having Brad Keselowski as a mentor, you know, such a great driver in the sport, it was huge for me.”

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Continuing the trend of upgrading their roster, Rick Ware has definitely not been messing around with their recruitment.

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