Corey LaJoie’s NASCAR Future: A Veteran Driver in Limbo as 2025 Approaches
As 2024 winds down, Corey LaJoie, a recognizable name in the NASCAR Cup Series, finds himself without a confirmed ride for 2025. Despite a career spanning nearly a decade, the veteran driver faces uncertain prospects after his four-year stint with Spire Motorsports came to a tumultuous end. As we look back on LaJoie’s journey, let’s explore how he reached this crossroads.
Who Is Corey LaJoie?
The LaJoie name carries weight in motorsports. Corey is the son of Randy LaJoie, a two-time NASCAR Busch Series champion (now Xfinity Series) in 1996 and 1997, and the grandson of Don LaJoie, a Hall of Fame inductee in the New England Auto Racing scene. Born in Concord, North Carolina, Corey LaJoie was immersed in racing from a young age, starting with karting in 1996.
LaJoie’s early career showcased promise, with victories in INEX Bandolero Series and Legends car events, and wins in the ARCA Menards Series. However, his transition to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2014 was rocky. Crashes plagued his first season, and though he returned in 2016, his tenure with teams like BK Racing and Go Fas Racing brought limited success.
Spire Motorsports and the Struggles
LaJoie joined Spire Motorsports in 2021, a young team looking to establish itself in NASCAR. While he played a key role in its development, the results on the track didn’t meet expectations. Over four years, LaJoie achieved only four top-five finishes and six top-tens. His career-best finishes, including a fourth place at Atlanta Motor Speedway, weren’t enough to keep pace with his peers.
During the 2024 season, LaJoie managed just three top-tens and one top-five, while rookie teammate Carson Hocevar secured seven top-tens and a top-five. The disparity in performance, coupled with LaJoie’s clashes with drivers like Ryan Preece and Denny Hamlin, further damaged his standing. In August 2024, Hamlin stated bluntly, “Corey LaJoie’s just outta control, man. He is his own worst enemy.”
By mid-season, the writing was on the wall. LaJoie swapped seats with Justin Haley, moving to Rick Ware Racing (RWR) while Haley took over the No. 7 Chevrolet at Spire.
A Glimmer of Hope with Rick Ware Racing?
LaJoie’s stint with Rick Ware Racing opened a potential path forward. The No. 51 Ford Mustang team, currently undergoing a growth phase with investments and a technical alliance with RFK Racing, could benefit from LaJoie’s experience with small teams. However, LaJoie’s performances in the RWR car have been inconsistent.
In his debut at Kansas Speedway, LaJoie secured a respectable 15th-place finish, followed by a 14th place at Las Vegas. But repeated penalties during pre-race inspections and five DNFs marred his record. A controversial incident with Kyle Busch at Pocono further cast doubts over his reliability.
What Lies Ahead for Corey LaJoie?
Despite LaJoie’s turbulent 2024 season, his potential signing with RWR for 2025 remains uncertain. The team is rumored to be considering other drivers, including Cody Ware, adding pressure to LaJoie’s bid to stay in the Cup Series. His track record of helping smaller teams grow may work in his favor, but ongoing issues, including sponsorship concerns and past controversies, are significant obstacles.
As of now, LaJoie’s NASCAR future is in jeopardy. Whether he secures a ride for 2025 or exits the series remains to be seen. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the offseason unfolds. Will Corey LaJoie defy the odds and return stronger, or will this chapter of his racing career come to a close?
