He won two races in 2004 and moved up to sixth in points. After a winless 2005, Starr left Spears and was rumored to drive the new Hall of Fame Racing NEXTEL Cup ride, but instead signed with the No. 11 team fielded by Red Horse Racing. He won his most recent race at Martinsville Speedway and had a career-best fourth-place points finish. It was reported that he was replaced at Red Horse by Aaron Fike, but team owner Jeff Hammond has stated that Starr was still under contract with the team and would continue to drive for them if they find sponsorship. He joined Circle Bar Racing for 2007, and drove the No. 10 MaxxForce Diesel Ford with equipment purchased from ppc Racing to a 10th-place points finish with five top-tens.