The No. 7 car in NASCAR has one of the most fascinating histories in American motorsport. Often seen as a symbol of underdogs, innovation, and independence, this number has carried legendary names like Alan Kulwicki, Geoffrey Bodine, and today’s modern racer Corey LaJoie. Here’s a deep dive into why the No. 7 car remains one of the most remarkable icons in NASCAR history — blending vintage pride with modern resurgence under the NASCAR Next Gen Car era.
1. The Lucky Beginnings of No. 7 (1949)
The No. 7 car dates back to NASCAR’s infancy when Bob Flock drove the No. 7 Oldsmobile to victory in the third-ever NASCAR Strictly Stock race in 1949 at Occoneechee Speedway in North Carolina. Flock also won at North Wilkesboro the same year, helping establish the No. 7 as a “lucky” number in NASCAR’s earliest races. His wins made the number synonymous with hard charging and durability.
From the start, the number 7 became more than a numerical tag — it was a statement. The Flock brothers (Bob and Fonty) kept the number circulating through the 1950s as NASCAR transitioned from dirt to paved tracks, proving that its legacy was built on both grit and victory.
2. Alan Kulwicki’s Legendary 1992 Championship
No number carries more weight with NASCAR fans than the No. 7 car piloted by Alan Kulwicki. The independent driver-turned-owner shocked the world by winning the 1992 NASCAR Cup Series Championship, driving the Hooters-sponsored Ford Thunderbird. Kulwicki’s triumph is still regarded as one of the greatest underdog stories in motorsports history.
Kulwicki, known for his “Underbird” nickname, famously flipped the “Thunderbird” logo upside down on his car to symbolize his outsider status. With only five career wins, Kulwicki’s 1992 championship represented perseverance over budget, manpower, and factory-backed giants. Tragically, he died in a 1993 plane crash, but his legacy permanently tied the No. 7 car to courage and determination.
“Alan stood for everything that defined NASCAR — independence, hard work, and heart. That championship made the No. 7 immortal,” NASCAR Hall of Fame historian Buz McKim stated in 2024.
3. The Modern Revival — Spire Motorsports and Corey LaJoie
In 2021, Spire Motorsports reintroduced the No. 7 car full-time, with Corey LaJoie behind the wheel. The team specifically chose the number to honor Kulwicki, bringing the symbolic number back into focus in the NASCAR Next Gen Car era.
LaJoie quickly became a fan favorite for his resilience and humor, balancing racing intensity with engagement across social media platforms. His ninth-place finish at the 2021 Daytona 500 and strong runs at Atlanta and Watkins Glen reminded fans what the No. 7 has always stood for — grit and growth against bigger-budget competitors.
Recently, Justin Haley took over driving duties in 2025, continuing the car’s steady performance and keeping its presence strong for a new generation of NASCAR fans. With Daniel Suárez already announced as the 2026 driver, the future of the No. 7 car looks promising as it builds on its rich history of resilience and racing pride.
“We wanted to bring the spirit of that No. 7 back — Kulwicki’s grit, Bodine’s engineering, and LaJoie’s heart. It’s part of what makes NASCAR so connected to its roots,” Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson told NASCAR.com in an interview on October 22, 2025.
For NASCAR fans, the No. 7 car remains a timeless emblem of authenticity and perseverance. Whether through Kulwicki’s legendary “Underbird,” the Flock family’s early triumphs, or LaJoie’s comeback efforts in the Next Gen era, its history reflects the spirit that keeps NASCAR alive — a sport where even the smallest team can create lasting legend.