At the 2024 Fresh from Florida 250 on 16th February, a controversial incident unfolded involving Rajah Caruth at its center. During discussions regarding the incident, Corey LaJoie came to the defense of his teammate. However, fans who witnessed the race speculate that LaJoie’s statement was a strategic move.
So what did LaJoie say about his Spire Motorsports teammate, who just put up his best performance on the track so far?
Corey LaJoie gives Rajah Caruth the benefit of the doubt
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Corey LaJoie and his teammate Rajah Caruth were in an excellent position for most of the Craftsman Truck Series race. They were only behind Nick Sanchez, who went on to clinch the victory later, and Taylor Gray. However, Caruth made a mistake that prevented LaJoie from cementing his position in the top five.
The No. 71 Chevrolet Silverado driver got in a clash with Jack Wood that resulted in a last-lap accident. The incident angered a lot of drivers who were affected by this.
Corey LaJoie too was disappointed as he was in a commanding position at that point. But he managed to stay calm and not speak ill of his teammate Rajah for that in the post-race interview.
“I don’t know how much of that was intentional of him trying to fill the middle or him just getting tight, uh these trucks were really aero sensitive,” said LaJoie.
He added, “I’ll give the benefit of the doubt, cause Rajah, uh he’s pretty smart and knows what he’s doing, and at the same time too he might have just been going for a 91 close a hole that we thought might have been there was one point earlier in that race.” By this, Corey LaJoie displayed immense professionalism towards his teammate by coming to his rescue.
Corey LaJoie on the last-lap truck wreck and his view of teammate Rajah Caruth’s move. pic.twitter.com/KWx7z4qO96
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 17, 2024
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Rajah Caruth makes Spire Motorsports dream of a better season
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The 21-year-old driver finished his career-best race in great style by acquiring the second position. His previous best was being sixth a couple of times last season. But with this race, Caruth send a message that he is ready for the big leagues. It is certain that he did his homework by training hard last winter. Apart from that, Caruth should thank Corey LaJoie, who pushed him throughout the race.
About the accident, Rajah Caruth said, “Hate to see trucks tore up like that on the backstretch. I just got a bad push, and you already are getting tight off the corner like that. So hated to see that.” Rajah’s father Roger Caruth is all praise for his son after his grand success. He denied any contributions and claimed that Rajah did this all by himself.
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Does this race serve as the beginning of a great season for Spire Motorsports? Well, with the raw talent of youngsters like Caruth, guided by others like LaJoie, anything is possible.