NASCAR spotter Eddie D'Hondt has inked a multi-year contract with Spire Motorsports which will begin in 2025. D'Hondt will bring his wealth of experience to the No. 7 team, partnering with driver Justin Haley.
Announced publicly on October 11, 2024, D'Hondt shared his excitement on social media. The 65-year-old stated:
"Very excited to announce a signed multi-year deal to join @SpireMotorsport and the #7 team. Can't wait to get started & help building forward."
D'Hondt's illustrious career began on Long Island, New York, with an early start in street stocks at local tracks like Islip Speedway and Riverhead Raceway in 1981. He entered the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour in 1986 and soon moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1996 to further his career in the NASCAR Cup Series. His journey into NASCAR commenced with roles as a mechanic and tire specialist. Over the years, D'Hondt established himself as a key player, working with teams such as Ranier-Walsh Racing and Junie Donlavey's team.
His tenure at Hendrick Motorsports saw him contribute to many high-profile successes, including aiding Jeff Gordon in his last career win at Martinsville and being part of Chase Elliott's 2020 Cup Championship triumph. Relationships forged with crew chiefs like Alan Gustafson enriched his legacy. Before his stint at Hendrick, D'Hondt played vital roles with teams including Bill Elliott Racing, Evernham Motorsports, and Robert Yates Racing, spotting for noted drivers such as Kyle Busch and Elliott Sadler.
D'Hondt also ventured into team ownership with D'Hondt Motorsports, competing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and ARCA RE/MAX Series, working with high-profile drivers like Danny O'Quinn Jr., David Gilliland, and Kyle Busch. Notably, he managed to steer Busch to a runner-up finish at Watkins Glen in 2008.
In 2024, D'Hondt found himself at Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) as the spotter for Josh Berry and the No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse team. However, with SHR's impending closure, effective at the end of 2024, he was left to find a position elsewhere. His collaboration with Rodney Childers at SHR, who holds the position of crew chief, is set to continue at Spire Motorsports. Childers will transition alongside D'Hondt to support Justin Haley.