Stephen Doran is returning to Spire Motorsports in 2027.
The veteran NASCAR Cup Series crew chief will serve as the shot-caller for 2021 DAYTONA 500 winner Michael McDowell and the No. 71 Chevrolet Camaro, beginning with The Wheatley Vodka Clash at Daytona International Speedway (February 13).
Doran has spent the last two seasons at Trackhouse Racing, serving as crew chief for Shane Van Gisbergen, where he’s picked up seven NASCAR Cup Series victories, as well as five pole positions. In 2024, on loan from Trackhouse, Doran called the shots for the No. 71 Chevrolet, which at the time was driven by Zane Smith.
“I’m incredibly thankful to Justin (Marks) for giving me the opportunity to be a crew chief at Trackhouse. I’m equally grateful for the opportunity to work alongside SVG. He’s a world-class driver on the track and an even better person away from it. I’ll truly miss the people and relationships I’ve built within the Trackhouse family.
“The timing felt right to return to Spire Motorsports. Coming back to the No. 71 team is something I’ve thought about since leaving at the end of 2024. What Jeff, Dan (Towriss), and the entire organization have built in such a short time is impressive, and I’m excited to be part of what’s ahead. I can’t wait to get to work with Michael and the entire team as we push to become a consistent race-winning organization for years to come.”
Spire Motorsports has offered Travis Peterson, the current crew chief of the No. 71, a leading engineering role to leverage his skills across the entirety of the NASCAR Cup Series operation. Peterson, while working with McDowell, collected two poles and six top-five finishes, including a best effort of second at Watkins Glen International.
“Our 2027 season starts today so we’re eager to bring Stephen back to Spire Motorsports,” said Spire Motorsports Co-Owner Jeff Dickerson. “He’s an exceptionally talented individual, a winning crew chief and someone who fits in with our group, seamlessly. Spire had a great 2026 season, so we have a lot to be proud of. Adding Stephen to the mix with Matt McCall and reuniting him with Ryan (Sparks), Luke (Lambert) and Dax (Garringer) gives me a lot of confidence that our best days as an organization are still in front of us.”
