Corey LaJoie’s NASCAR journey has been anything but smooth. Over the years, critics have labeled him a backmarker and often criticized his inability to secure competitive finishes. Yet, despite the odds, LaJoie’s persistence and grit have earned him some respect from some fans who subscribe to that underdog story. However, his career took an unexpected turn in 2025 as he found himself without a full-time Cup Series seat.

The harsh reality of his situation did have a solution because of a new opportunity, but he instead chose to go with the most selfless and surprising decisions of his career.

Corey LaJoie gets a lucrative deal from Prime

In a candid conversation on his podcast, LaJoie shed light on his decision to leave the No. 51 seat at Rick Ware Racing. While the announcement initially surprised many fans, the reasoning behind it paints a clearer picture. At the core of this decision lies LaJoie’s new broadcasting deal with Amazon Prime.

The tech giant has been expanding its footprint in sports streaming, recently acquiring rights to showcase live sports, including NFL’s Thursday Night Football and the all new streaming deal with NASCAR as part of the $7.7 billion media deal. Sharing his excitement about the opportunity, LaJoie told Rick Ware, “I’ve got this opportunity here coming to fruition with Amazon that I am very interested in.” He elaborated, “I feel like I’m open now. I have a year on house money to go play with, and this Amazon opportunity is something I’m very interested in.”

The Amazon Prime deal reportedly involves LaJoie joining their expanding motorsports broadcasting team. With NASCAR’s growing popularity on streaming platforms, Amazon’s push into live sports presents a new opportunity for LaJoie to leverage his experience and personality. The specifics of his role remain unclear; however, speculation points to race analysis, behind-the-scenes content, and hosting.

He added, “I’ve had this blinder on it, being a full time cup driver at all costs, no Matter what it is, no matter what the context is, no matter how little money I made I’m going to be in the Cup Series because any given Sunday” confessing his love for the sports and his will to be associated to it no matter what. “But I feel like I’m open now. I have a year on house money to go play with, and this Amazon opportunity is something I’m very interested in.” Lajoie shared.

After a highly disappointing 2024 season, this might be the perfect start for LaJoie. With his average start and finish both below 20th position, the numbers speak for themselves. Add to that a scenario where Spire Motorsports traded him out for Justin Haley and you might understand why a year with Amazon might have more appeal than the Cup Series.

Trending

1

NASCAR Rumors: Chase Elliott’s Billion Dollar Sponsor to File Bankruptcy One Year After Ugly Exit

2

Ryan Blaney Snatches Up $70 Billion Sponsor as They Leave Struggling F1 Team in the Dumps

3

NASCAR Ready to Steal Roger Penske’s Massive Loss Amidst 4th Manufacturer Rumors

4

NASCAR Rumor: Days After Pitbull’s Sudden Exit, Latino Speedster’s Seat Reportedly Under Fire

5

NASCAR Confirms Status of 4th Manufacturer Deal Amidst Major Rumor Mill

Lajoie moving into the future with no regrets

Far from having any resentment, LaJoie expressed a genuine desire to help the Ware family succeed. “Better yet, I want to help Cody. I like Cody… he has the ability to drive a race car fast,… I want to help Rick and Lisa and Robbie and Cody Ware be successful.” he shared. This new partnership extends beyond the track, as LaJoie plans to take an active role at Rick Ware Racing, working as a mentor and part time competitor. “If I’m going to do this show and be a part-time competitor, I might as well stay embedded competitively – go to their war room, watch SMT, and still be plugged in and sharp,” he added.

Corey LaJoie’s NASCAR career has been a tale of “resilience” one would say. LaJoie has battled the stigma of being a backmarker, facing mockery as a waste of space and driving underfunded cars. Yet, moments like his near win at Atlanta in 2022 and his ability to overachieve in primitive underfunded cars have earned him a reputation as one of the sport’s grittiest underdogs.

LaJoie’s move to Rick Ware Racing in late 2024 seemed to breathe new life into his career. But it all came down crumbling, like a house of cards soon. He realized that racing full-time was no longer his sole priority, marking a significant turning point in his career.  Looking ahead, LaJoie’s future appears broad. Meanwhile, his Amazon broadcasting role could pave the way for a second coming in motorsports media. On the other hand, his part-time role at Rick Ware Racing ensures that he stays connected to his original roots.