NASCAR can be a brutal sport when results aren’t going your way. Just ask Corey LaJoie, who has been a part of Spire Motorsports since 2021, giving a small team with big ambitions an identity through its formative years. LaJoie had been through it all with Spire Motorsports, taking them to four top-5s and six top-10s in over 129 Cup Series starts. You can almost say that LaJoie single-handedly put Spire Motorsports on the map, even before the team received investment from Group1001.

Despite overachieving last year by finishing a career-high 25th in the driver standings, Corey LaJoie has underperformed this season. With Spire Motorsports parting ways with the 32-year-old, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has just tried to offer him some valuable advice on his next career move.

Dale Jr. wants Corey LaJoie to rebuild his reputation

Spire Motorsports has grown significantly since LaJoie first made an appearance in 2021, with investments from Gainbridge® and Group1001 increasing the expectations placed on the team’s drivers. When Spire Motorsports expanded from two to three Cup Series cars in 2024, the expectations from Corey LaJoie were clear for him to gain a playoff spot.

As things stand, the results have been far from it. With one top-five and top-ten finish in 22 races, LaJoie ranks 28th in the driver standings, a far cry from Spire Motorsports’ expectations.

While speculation continues about his next career move, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has offered the driver some valuable advice on the Dale Jr Download podcast. Junior said, “If I were him, I would try to put myself in a position where I felt like I could win races. You may have to absolutely make less money, your base salary might be less, and that might be tough, and I’m not sure what his situation is financially, but I think being happy and enjoying what you’re doing, and celebrating some wins is worth it. I mean, I would even consider doing what a John Hunter Nemechek might have done and go back to the Trucks and try to rebuild your reputation and rebuild everybody’s confidence in your ability.”

Junior may have a point about Corey LaJoie following John Hunter Nemechek’s footsteps and plying his trade in the Truck Series. Nemechek finished 27th at Front Row Motorsports in 2020 and departed from the team to compete in the Truck Series for a few years. Driving for Kyle Busch Motorsports for two seasons, he finished 3rd and 5th respectively, securing seven wins in the process. JHN then went on to compete in the Xfinity Series for Joe Gibbs Racing in 2023, securing seven wins in a single season and finishing 4th. Having rebuilt his reputation, Nemechek returned to the Cup Series after securing a seat with Legacy Motor Club.

With options in the Cup Series limited, Corey LaJoie might have no choice but to settle for the seat in one of NASCAR’s lower tiers. However, that might be exactly what he needs to revive his career after a tearful goodbye from Spire Motorsports. Finding his love for racing again, getting some wins under his belt, and focusing on the basics could truly help Corey LaJoie cement his Cup Series place in the long run.

As for Spire Motorsports, LaJoie’s vacant seat gives them a variety of drivers to consider from, with a few heavy hitters also being linked to the team for the 2025 season.

Who could possibly replace Corey LaJoie at Spire Motorsports?

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When Rodney Childers was announced as crew chief for the No. 7 Spire Motorsports team, everyone was under the impression that the veteran would partner with Corey LaJoie for the 2025 season. However, with Spire Motorsports announcing the 32-year-old’s departure, speculation has been rife about LaJoie’s possible replacements.

1. A driver that has been heavily linked to the team is Kyle Busch, who is in the middle of the worst season of his career. With five DNFs, no wins, and a 43-race winless streak, Rowdy has hinted he would entertain the possibility of a move away from Richard Childress Racing. However, his contract until 2025 will prove to be an obstacle, unless Jeff Dickerson is willing to break the bank. The move seems unlikely, especially because FOX Sports journalist Bob Pockrass has expressed his belief that a move for the 63-time Cup-winning racer is unlikely, as he is expected to remain at Richard Childress Racing until the end of the 2025 season.
2. Sam Mayer is another candidate that Spire Motorsports could consider for the vacant No. 7 Chevy for 2025. The 21-year-old has age on his side, as well as the financial backing that could motivate the team’s co-owner, Jeff Dickerson, to take the plunge. It will also allow Mayer to remain within the Chevrolet ecosystem, and his racing pedigree is unquestionable, considering that he reached the Championship 4 just a year ago and is set to make the playoffs this season.
3. Zane Smith, who is currently driving the No. 71 Chevy for Spire Motorsports after being on loan from Trackhouse Racing, is another viable candidate. With Trackhouse Racing already having Daniel Suarez and Ross Chastain within their ranks, NASCAR’s third charter clause could make them opt for Shane van Gisbergen for a third seat in 2025. What does this mean for Zane Smith? He could end up replacing Corey LaJoie at Spire Motorsports or might return to his former team, Front Row Motorsports.

Do you think Corey LaJoie would be better suited to competing in one of NASCAR’s lower tiers? Let us know in the comments!