Late run changing gear (7)
I believe the answer is:
neutral
'gear' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'late run changing' is the wordplay.
'changing' indicates an anagram.
'late'+'run'='laterun'
'laterun' with letters rearranged gives 'NEUTRAL'.
(Other definitions for neutral that I've seen before include "Taking neither side" , "Having no personal preference" , "uncommitted to either side" , "trying to keep out of the war" , "having no potential" .)