Not having a seat for the next season must be a nightmare for a NASCAR racer, a nightmare that is probably haunting Corey LaJoie right now. Recently, LaJoie announced the end of his relationship with Spire Motorsports. A NASCAR insider has recently discussed his chances at Kaulig Racing and Rick Ware Racing; however, his performance hasn’t been strong enough to support a move. Amidst the uncertainty, fans have offered their own career suggestions for LaJoie.
What’s next for Corey LaJoie?
It was in 2020 that LaJoie joined Spire Motorsports, and since then, he has had 129 restarts with the team. His career-best finishes, all in fourth position, have also come with Spire at three different race tracks. However, the 2024 season for the #7 team hasn’t gone as he had hoped. He is currently 28th in the points table, with only one top-10 and one top-five finish. As a result, his playoff dreams seem distant. Although LaJoie has never won a race in his Cup Series career, he has promised to finish strong while leaving the team. So, who knows? A miracle might happen after all.
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In his parting statement to the Athletic, an emotional Corey said, “I won’t be driving the 7 car next year,” He continued, “I take a lot of satisfaction from having an integral part of building Spire into a respectable team on the grid, but unfortunately the future won’t involve me. We will finish the remainder of 2024 strong, continuing to deliver for my partners, my guys who work hard to build good cars, family, fans & friends who have supported me since day one in the Cup Series.”
At the end of the statement, he hinted at the uncertainty of his 2025 season. He said, “This chapter ends after Phoenix and I’m excited to see what the Lord has in store for my family next.”
Spire Motorsports’ reason for letting go of Corey is his lack of performance. Jeff Dickerson, co-owner of Spire, said, “In racing, there are always variables but one thing we all know, is this is a performance-based business, and it just hasn’t been there for several reasons. All those reasons are factored in when it comes to making a decision of this magnitude. ”
What is crucial for Corey LaJoie now is to up his game in the remaining four races of the Cup Series. His performance in those races could prove to be the deciding factor for his future career. According to NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass, there is a possibility of LaJoie joining Kaulig or Rick Ware Racing, where they are still trying to find their footing. The #31 car at Kaulig is up for grabs, as its driver for next season has not been determined yet. Daniel Hemric, who drives the #31 car, has not signed a contract for next season yet. However, all the supposed possibilities will depend on his performance at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, fans made their own predictions. The majority said that a demotion might be in the story and that’s not bad for him.
What’s your perspective on:
Can Corey LaJoie bounce back from this Spire Motorsports fallout, or is his NASCAR career in jeopardy?
Have an interesting take?
A move to a lower series might actually be beneficial
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Throughout his nine-year career, Corey LaJoie has had 257 race starts, four top-five finishes, and nine top-10 finishes. However, he has yet to secure a career win. A possible future path for him could be a move to a lower series, such as Xfinity, where he can regain confidence and, more importantly, secure some wins. After that, he may be able to move back to the Cup Series. A fan on similar lines wrote, “He should try and win an xfinity series race. Rehab his image by dominating a race or two in a gibbs car or something. Alternatively, some kind of shop job at a good team.”
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A demotion is not always bad. It might give him a chance to bounce back. Noting that this could be a smart move, a fan wrote, “If he was smart, he’d drop down to Xfinity or Trucks, so he will end up in the Rick Ware 15”
His lacking performance in the cup series has been evident. It has not gotten him good results and now even his fans are suggesting he move to a lower series before more cup series attempts. One of them wrote, “I say this as a LaJoie fan but I just don’t think he’s cut out for Cup. He could easily be a truck or Xfinity lifer if he wants to. IMO he could be a Matt Crafton type of guy.”
Maybe Spire Motorsports could give him a chance in the truck series where they have had so much success with Rajah Caruth. Maybe he can give it a shot in the Chase Purdy truck who’s been struggling a bit this season. A fan hence wrote, “Year in a Spire truck to “finish” out his 2025 contract?”
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However, would they be willing to take that risk after what happened in the Daytona truck series this year? Where his truck crashed out and he got a DNF, a fan remembering that race wrote, “After the Daytona truck race I wouldn’t be too sure if Trucks is even right for him.”
What is next for Corey? Only time will tell. Why don’t you guys also make predictions? Where do you think he will go? Let us know in the comment below.
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Debate
Can Corey LaJoie bounce back from this Spire Motorsports fallout, or is his NASCAR career in jeopardy?