‘I Don’t Think I Could’ve’ – Justin Haley Exposes the Reality of NASCAR As He Opens Up About His New Allegiance

Amidst his second full-time Cup season and just ahead of the Pocono weekend, Justin Haley had announced a major shift in his team. After having been involved with Kaulig Racing for three whole NASCAR Xfinity Series seasons and two NASCAR Cup Series seasons, Haley decided to sign a multi-year deal with Rick Ware Racing. In only his third start with Spire Motorsports, Haley clenched a win at Daytona. Needless to say, Rick Ware recognized Haley’s talent and, for long, wanted him in his team.

Moreover, this is the first time Haley will drive a Ford full-time. A majority of his starts in the three top-tier NASCAR series have been with the Chevrolets. But was this switch necessary? If Haley had to switch at all, why did he not switch earlier? In a recent conversation with Dale Earnhardt Jr. Justin Haley revealed the real reason and with that, exposed a bitter truth regarding NASCAR teams.

Thanks to Brad Keselowski, Justin Haley has what he needed the most

NASCAR is not just about getting enrolled in a team and running races. When a rookie driver enters the spotlight of NASCAR from obscurity, selecting the team to collaborate with is a crucial decision. First, he has to have reliable sponsors who will not give up on him if he fails to perform in a couple of races. Second, his team must have a solid alliance with another key team.

Bigshot teams like Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing perhaps don’t need it. But for smaller teams like 23XI Racing and Rick Ware Racing, joining hands with a bigger team goes a long way. There are plenty of examples. Spire Motorsports has an engine deal with Hendrick Motorsports. 23XI Racing practically uses the facilities of Joe Gibbs Racing. And not to mention, Rick Ware Racing has a technical alliance with RFK Racing, which includes them leasing space on RFK Racing’s campus in Concord N.C.

When Dale Earnhardt Jr. said it might not have worked out for Haley had the latter switched to Rick Ware’s team a few years back, he had the leveled competition that the next-gen cars brought with their inception, in his mind. Indeed, previously the bigger teams could make permissible tweaks in their cars to create a performance bonus, but not anymore. All 40 cars in a Cup race are the same in terms of components and statistics. However, the 24-year-old Indiana native spilled out the real reason it was not possible to have switched earlier.

According to Justin Haley, the teams that have key partners receive the manufacturer’s support like none other. And that is very necessary, as winning races alone in today’s arena of NASCAR is almost next to impossible. Haley said, “If you can’t get with a key partner team which, frankly, I don’t think I could have… It’s hard.”

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“They’re all kind of the same. Whoever you have working on them is the difference. All the parts and pieces are the same. It’s just who do you have to work on it,” he added in a shocking revelation.

Haley thinks the world of Rick Ware and so does his new boss

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For Justin Haley, all that matters is who he is working for behind the garage. If the owner is not passionate enough about his team, the team is as good as dead. Although it is impossible to run a top-level NASCAR series race and not be in love with the sport.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. exclaimed, “You needed this, this has motivated you!”

Justin agreed. “Yeah, one thousand percent!” he said, “You turn on TV and there’s a Rick Ware car on track. He’s got all kinds of teams and he just loves it. He just wants to race and I want to be the guy that delivers Rick what he wants.”

According to NBC Sports, team owner Rick Ware said in a press release, “Having someone with Justin’s talent and background become part of our future is a testament to our commitment to growth over the past few years. He will be a great teammate for the RWR/RFK Racing alliance.”

“I have known Justin for a long time, respect all he has achieved in many forms of motorsports and look forward to great success together. His versatility as a driver in multiple series, the continuity we can build around Justin and the respect among his peers will pay great dividends for our team,” he added.

Read more: Justin Haley Reveals the Influence of Brad Keselowski as He Snubbed Matt Kaulig at the Last Minute