NASCAR is known for its brutal demands, where only the absolute best survive. The competition is fierce, and the pressure to perform at the highest level is relentless. For Corey LaJoie, the former Spire Motorsports driver, the question of whether he’ll continue his Cup Series career is hanging in the balance. LaJoie has had his fair share of opportunities, but he’s struggled to meet expectations.
Despite being seen as the lead driver at Spire, LaJoie’s performances never quite lived up to the hype. While he had a few top-10 and top-15 finishes, he was never a serious contender for wins. The 2024 season was especially hard for him, as Jeff Dickerson and the other Spire executives opted to move on, replacing him with Justin Haley for the No. 7 car. LaJoie was sent to Rick Ware Racing for the last seven races of the season, while Haley stepped into the spotlight at Spire.
For most of the NASCAR community, LaJoie’s time in the Cup Series seemed to be coming to an end, with rumors swirling that he might be forced to drop down to the Xfinity Series in 2025. But just when fans thought they had seen the last of him, LaJoie teased a possible comeback. He posted on Instagram, “Spent the last week in a Corona commercial. Back to the grind. 68 days.” This cryptic message stirred up the NASCAR fanbase, fueling speculation about his next move.
Could Corey LaJoie Be Returning to the Cup Series?
With Rick Ware Racing holding two charters, one of which was leased to RFK Racing, the future of LaJoie’s ride is uncertain. Many are wondering if he and Cody Ware will split the ride, or if one of them will take the full-time seat. One Reddit user speculated, “Worst kept secret since Preece going to RFK, pretty obvious he’ll be the (only) full-time RWR driver next year.”
Sponsorship is a crucial factor in NASCAR, and LaJoie has solid backing from Celsius and Schluter. Despite his lackluster on-track results, his sponsorship deals may secure him a ride for 2025. “Corey has Celsius and Schluter with him at the very minimum. He’s going to get a ride if he carries those sponsors with him,” said one industry insider.
But LaJoie’s performances haven’t exactly made him a fan favorite. With five DNFs and an average finish of 23.722, LaJoie’s track record is full of mistakes and controversy. He notoriously wrecked Kyle Busch at Pocono and nearly ruined Ryan Blaney and Denny Hamlin’s playoff hopes at Watkins Glen. While many fans have turned on him, others still hold out hope. “I hope he wins the 500 though just to get the haters out and make people mad,” one fan commented, showing a glimmer of faith in LaJoie’s ability to turn things around.
Will Legal Troubles Limit LaJoie’s Chances?
There’s another wrinkle that could affect LaJoie’s future: the ongoing NASCAR and 23XI/FRM Racing antitrust lawsuit. This case could drag on throughout the 2025 season, potentially limiting Rick Ware Racing’s ability to make any significant moves or signings. “He’s going to be in an RWR car, the question is whether it’s a full-time car or shared with Cody. The answer to that question likely depends on charter implications depending on the 23XI/FRR lawsuit,” a Reddit user speculated.
Despite LaJoie’s underwhelming career, some fans still believe in his potential comeback. But with only a single top-5 finish at the Daytona 500 and three top-10 finishes last year, his Cup future remains uncertain. One fan put it bluntly: “At the beginning of last year, I had really high hopes for him. I was even on the verge of buying his merchandise. Now I can’t stand him and wish he would go away.”
What’s Next for Corey LaJoie?
LaJoie’s link to Rick Ware Racing could offer him a chance to redeem himself, but it remains to be seen if he’ll be racing a full season or just limited races in 2025. One thing is clear: Corey LaJoie’s future in NASCAR is still up in the air, and the coming months could be crucial in determining whether he can rewrite his story or if it’s time to say goodbye to his Cup Series career.
