Tough times for Tony Stewart. With Stewart-Haas Racing set to lose veterans Aric Almirola and Kevin Harvick, replacing them has been an uphill task for the former Cup champion. The announcement of Josh Berry has applied some ice to their wounds. But succeeding in the legacy of #4 won’t be an easy undertaking.

SHR was looking for a talented driver in the market to replace Almirola. The #10 spot was touted to be taken up by Spire Motorsports star Corey LaJoie. But things could look better with the team launching renewal talks of an extension for the #7 Chevy. LaJoie has been having opportunities galore after showing much improvement from last season.

Rick Hendrick’s token of appreciation for Corey LaJoie

Rick Hendrick was the first team owner to identify LaJoie’s talents behind the wheel this season. Requiring an immediate substitute for the suspended Chase Elliott after his right hook to Denny Hamlin at Charlotte, Mr. Hendrick decided to avail the services of the #10 driver. Although he failed to make an impact by finishing 21st at the Illinois 300, the Hendrick Motorsports team owner has shown his respect for Corey for stepping up to the occasion.

Corey shares an image of the gift hamper full of delicious snacks sent by the billionaire, captioned, “What a guy @Spire Motorsports” 

Tony Stewart will be keeping close tabs on the proceedings. From the results of recent talks, Spire is well poised to stop Corey from leaving with a lucrative sponsorship deal in the works. Many teams were keeping an eye on the availability of the 31-year-old who has shown why he is worth the interest of so many teams. It looks like Stewart-Haas Racing will be losing the most in the current scenario.

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LaJoie set to snub Tony Stewart for extension with Spire Motorsports

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Aric Almirola’s initial plan was to retire last season. Stewart-Haas Racing and team sponsor Smithfield Foods lured him back for another season. As of now, there have been no speculations about another extension for the veteran. The experienced LaJoie is on the radar of the team except Zane Smith and talented Xfinity drivers like Riley Herbst and Harrison Burton.

The deal in talks is rumored to be a multiyear extension that will also associate primary sponsor Gainbridge with either of Corey or Ty Dillon for 16 races. This will further solidify Spire’s position in the proceedings and will help in luring the 31-year-old away from buyers.

LaJoie is having his career-best season in the Cup Series. He averages a finish of 19.7, which is an incredible improvement from a score of 24.3 last year. He also is in the 24th position in the standings, giving him a fair shout as a contender to make it to the playoffs.

“We’re just performing to what we all thought we were capable of. I think we still have some ways to go. I think we have opportunities to sneak a win out here, either at Atlanta or Daytona at the end of the regular season and just keep going consistent,” said LaJoie, speaking to The Athletic.

These small steps for Spire will pave the way to becoming a more competitive team and establishing its name at the top. More bad news for SHR who also lost their Busch Light partnership to Trackhouse Racing ace Ross Chastain.

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