Indiana native Justin Haley’s knack for racing was discovered early on when he was just 9 years old. Since then, he started competing in the Kokomo Quarter Midget Club. He now drives the #31 Chevy full-time for Kaulig Racing in the Cup and the #10 Xfinity car, part-time for the same team.
Haley has recently tied the knot with his fiancee Haley Mottinger. But more about his wife later. Let’s take a deeper dive into the journey of Justin Haley to the top-tier NASCAR racing series.
Who is Justin Haley in NASCAR?
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Flaunting a few Quarter Midget Championships to his credit, Haley’s first breakthrough in the competitive arena of NASCAR came in 2014, when he entered his first NASCAR K&N East Series race. Just a year later, Haley drove for Braun Racing, a team that his uncle Todd Braun owns, in his first NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series, also known as NGOTS. Little did he know back then that he would win his first NASCAR championship a couple of years later.
In 2016, Justin Haley took home the championship title for the NASCAR K&N East Series, and that too, at the age of 17. Post that, he announced that he would drive full-time in the NGOTS next year. During his rookie season, Haley put his talent to the test and secured a pole, three top-5s, and 12 top-10 finishes.
He chose to stick to the NGOTS. In 2018, that decision paid off as he secured a playoff berth, besides three wins, nine top-5, and 18 top-10 finishes. Needless to say, young Haley was on cloud nine. However, that wasn’t the only reason why 2018 was so special to Justin Haley.
Haley kicked off his NASCAR Xfinity Series season as a rookie with Kaulig Racing. In his three starts that he made for Matt Kaulig’s team, Haley brought home a P12 finish and even put up a tough competition for the win in his second Xfinity start at the madhouse called Daytona International Speedway. Haley also earned a record-breaking 4 top-5s and 20 top-10 finishes, securing himself a spot in the 2019 Xfinity Series playoff rumble. Continuing his stellar rookie season, Haley got his first Cup Series win at Daytona in July 2019.
#NASCAR …. the moment @Justin_Haley_ found out he had been declared the winner. pic.twitter.com/Atp2Xyr4FP
— Dustin Long (@dustinlong) July 7, 2019
He also earned his first NXS win at Talladega Superspeedway in 2020, becoming one of the 33 drivers to have a win across all three national series of NASCAR. No wonder Kaulig Racing offered him a contract extension, making him the first driver in the team to come back for a third year in the Xfinity Series.
Does Justin Haley have a wife?
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It seems like Justin Haley’s personal life is as dynamic as his professional life. When one lives their life at a high speed like Haley does, it’s bound to have rapid twists and turns. Just earlier this year in April, Haley got engaged to his girlfriend, Haley Mottinger.
It’s incredible the impact you’ve made on my life in such a short amount of time. I’m so blessed to spend forever by your side. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/ZHVEWQ60S5
— Justin Haley (@Justin_Haley_) April 11, 2023
And as of today, Haley Mottinger has officially become Haley Haley. The couple has tied the knot, ready to spend the rest of their lives together.
11.17.2023 – Officially Justin & Haley Haley! pic.twitter.com/iEtWzEkOPz
— Justin Haley (@Justin_Haley_) November 18, 2023
An ex-sprinter and hurdler at South Dakota State University, Haley Mottinger was an important part of the winning shuttle hurdle relay at the Drake Relays during her tenure as a Jackrabbit. Both Justin Haley and Haley Haley are speedsters, one in his car and the other on her feet. Indeed, it sounds like a match made on the tracks. But the name is funny indeed. So much so, that even Mike Davis and Dale Earnhardt Jr giggled when Justin Haley said that his wife’s name is going to be “Haley Haley”.
“She loves it, said Justin Haley, “She started dipping her toes into making appointments as Haley Haley and calling and making reservations and it’s a full-blown disaster, I tell you. It’s a mess. Bless her heart, it’s gonna be tough.”
The lovebirds met through mutual friends. That is indeed another interesting story. Back in Daytona, Haley Mottinger went to watch the race with her family where she had put her money on Justin Haley because of his last name. Needless to say, Justin Haley won her some money, and soon after, they met. And the rest is history.
Does Justin Haley have any children?
Well, in short, no. Justin Haley does not have a kid yet. However, considering the fast pace at which Haley spends his life, it would probably not be a shock for the fans if Justin Haley and his wife announced all of a sudden that they were planning to have a baby.
Watch this story: The Unspoken Regret of a NASCAR Legend
What lies ahead of Justin Haley ahead of the NASCAR 2024 season?
After spending five whole seasons at Kaulig Racing; three in Xfinity and two in Cup, Justin Haley finally made his exit from Matt Kaulig’s team. He is expected to drive full time for Rick Ware Racing in 2024. However, his car number and sponsors are yet to be announced. With Haley’s talent, backed by RWR’s technical alliance with RFK Racing, 2024 could be a fruitful season for the Cup Series team.
Thanks for all the years and the memories. Been a fun 5 years, appreciate you and @MattKaulig for giving me the opportunity to drive @KauligRacing cars! https://t.co/vbnwM0BWK2
— Justin Haley (@Justin_Haley_) November 3, 2023
As reported by racingamerica.com, team owner Rick Ware said, “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. 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 amongst his peers will pay great dividends for our team. He will be a great teammate for the RWR/RFK Racing alliance,” he added.
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Justin Haley joins Rick Ware Racing with a multi-year driver agreement, starting with the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season. He will compete full time in the team’s Ford Mustang. #RWR #JustinHaley #Ford pic.twitter.com/Y7Xoliq7hd
— Rick Ware Racing (@RickWareRacing) July 20, 2023
For Justin, this is a unique opportunity. He explained, “There are many key pieces of this program I believe can help me in taking the next steps in my NASCAR career. I look forward to working with our key partners, and many additional RWR partners to be announced soon. The alliance with RFK Racing is going to be pivotal for the future of our on-track success.”
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We’re as excited to witness how this multi-year deal with Rick Ware Racing pays off for this young NASCAR star. Are you?
Read more: Justin Haley Reveals the Influence of Brad Keselowski as He Snubbed Matt Kaulig at the Last Minute