NASCAR Cup Series racing is one of the toughest jobs out there. Every week, the drivers are put through relentless challenges with the demand of a fruitful result. Failing to deliver can lead to detrimental effects like eviction or losing their seat. Unfortunately, Core LaJoie from Spire Motorsports has found himself in this position, as the team announced he won’t lead the No. 7 team in 2025.

For three years, LaJoie was the face of the newly found Cup Series outfit. However, despite the faith and trust put in by the team owners in LaJoie, there was hardly anything to cheer about with results on track. He has been unable to score a single win in his 130 Cup starts for Jeff Dickerson’s team. So was Corey LaJoie the architect of his downfall? Freddie Kraft certainly thought so while sharing his opinion on the split. Moreover, the panel at the Door Bumper Clear podcast also tried to figure out his career trajectory, which at the moment looks bleak.

Performance on the race track does matter for the teams

Spire isn’t the only new team to enter Cup Series racing in the past few years. The likes of 23XI Racing and Trackhouse Racing also made their foray with the turn of the new decade in 2021. If we are to compare the successful stints of all these three teams, Spire is the one who is playing catchup. But no more, as they look to turn a new leaf with new faces on the team.

Corey Lajoie was considered to lead the charge for the team in terms of competing, but in 2024, he has hit new lows. In 2024, the North California native had a better starting position (23.3) when compared to last season (24.8). Although he hasn’t been able to capitalize on the good start, he has an average finish of 22.7. This is where Freddi Kraft thinks LaJoie opened the door for his eviction from Spire.

“I think Corey didn’t do himself any favor in the last month or so performance-wise and kinda he had mishaps in qualifying a couple of weeks in a row, clipping the wall … You hear Justin Haley’s name mentioned around, and that’s probably a likely candidate to replace him. But I don’t think it’s for certain he’s getting in that car,” Kraft said on the DBC podcast aired on August 13, 2024.

This exit couldn’t have come at the worst time for LaJoie. He’ll now have to knock on doors to find a new seat. Given the current situation and dynamics of the silly season, a ride in the Cup Series looks unlikely, which could force him to consider full-time opportunities in the Xfinity or the Truck Series for 2025.

What’s next for Corey LaJoie?

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Although it’s hard for LaJoie to continue his run in the Cup Series, potential drivers switch between Rickware Racing and Spire could work in his favor. RWR runs single-car operations, but they have struggled to find any joy on the racetrack with Justin Haley in the No. 51 car. A change in the environment could work out for both parties, but still, LaJoie’s struggle will be a hard sell for him to sign with a Cup Series outfit. Also, funding and sponsorship money could make or break his chances to compete in the premier NASCAR series next year.

However, a full-time ride in Xfinity or the Truck Series is on the cards for him, according to Brett Griffins. “I mean, I even heard one rumor that he was talking to Junior Motorsports. If he goes there, I think he wins, and you gotta win races, and if you can’t win races, you’re not gonna have a chance to stay in the Cup series.”

Freddi Kraft added to his notion, drawing a link between LaJoie and McAnnly Hilgemann Racing in the Truck Series. Christian Eckes, driving the No. 19 truck, is rumored to take the final seat at Front Row Motorsports. This opens the door for LaJoie to find a full-time ride. “I think his two best options through the rumor mill is the 51 at Rick Ware or maybe potentially full-time in a 19 truck because Eckes is out,” Kraft added.

Given the silly-season drama and its twists and turns, it is hard to predict Core LaJoie’s next move. But the chance of a continued Cup Series run is pretty grim.