Corey LaJoie leaving Spire Motorsports at the end of the 2024 season has certainly come as a surprise. Having been with them since 2021, LaJoie positively impacted the team’s growth in the Cup Series. However, with the team’s top brass opting for a different approach next season, the #7 driver now remains without a seat. While LaJoie’s future remains uncertain, the fans predicted his next destination, much of it with some banter.

Not long ago, the Charlotte-born driver was involved in a heated affair with fan-favorite Kyle Busch at Pocono Raceway earlier in July. With the event still fresh in the minds of the NASCAR fandom, the 32-year-old continues to receive harsh treatment from the community.

Corey LaJoie’s deemed surplus to the requirements at Spire Motorsports opens up plenty of opportunities

Since last summer, Spire Motorsports has been undergoing a revolution. Firstly, they entered into a high-profile partnership with Gainbridge, a Group 1001 company. The deal saw Gainbridge as the primary sponsor for Corey LaJoie and his #7 Chevrolet Camaro. Not only that, Spire Motorsports purchased a charter reportedly for $40 million.

Additionally, Spire Motorsports acquired Kyle Busch Motorsports and its headquarters. Courtesy of this investment, it now fields multiple full-time teams both in the Cup and Truck Series, having relocated to Kyle Busch Motorsports’ massive and spacious shop. Along with upgrading its setup, Spire Motorsports has made some changes to its team members as well.

On the other hand, the Cup Series team signed Michael McDowell on a multi-year contract starting in 2025. With McDowell well-versed in the competition and having already won the 2021 Daytona 500, he certainly adds more value to the team. Additionally, Spire Motorsports also signed up veteran crew chief Rodney Childers to lead the #7 team effective from 2025.

With all these positive changes, it is surprising how Corey LaJoie couldn’t find a place in the team’s plans, especially after signing a two-year contract extension last summer. That said, LaJoie’s on-track performance hasn’t helped his case. Currently, sitting 28th in the rankings with just a single top-10 finish in 22 races, the 32-year-old has failed to live up to the expectations.

In contrast, rookie teammate Carson Hocevar managed two top-10 finishes and ranked 24th in the standings. While a lot could have played a role in Corey LaJoie’s exit, his form in 2024 could be one of them. Now, it remains to be seen who Spire Motorsports finds appropriate to lead the #7 team, especially with the expertise of Rodney Childers present.

At the same time, plenty of uncertainty lies with LaJoie’s future. Given the tough competition in the Cup Series, will he land a Cup Series seat next year? Well, the NASCAR community had some interesting ideas.

NASCAR fandom takes a dig at Corey LaJoie

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The Cup Series dynamics have already been changed for the next year, with Stewart-Haas Racing closing its shop at the end of the 2024 season. While uncertainty looms large with their crew and drivers, Corey LaJoie exiting Spire Motorsports only makes it more complicated. There is no denial about LaJoie’s abilities, but somehow the results haven’t gone his way.

While a move early in his career could have helped his cause, his unexpected exit made things tricky for the #7 driver. Interestingly, the NASCAR community shared their opinion on Reddit on how LaJoie should go about his business following his Spire Motorsports departure. Unsurprisingly, it involved some level of banter as well.

One fan jokingly commented, “Guangdong Tigers,” as he thought LaJoie’s physique could earn him a place in the Chinese basketball arena. Another fan went a bit far with his banter as he said, “Working with Preece at the Mooresville McDonald’s.” With SHR shutting at the end of the season, both Corey LaJoie and Ryan Preece find themselves in the same boat.

While bantering carried on, some fans made decent arguments as well. One said, “Cup seats are going to start filling shortly. Probably best to essentially’ rebuild’ himself in Xfinity. Being competitive in Xfinity probably does him better than being a backmarker in Cup.” Indeed, it is challenging for LaJoie to land a Cup Series seat given the competition.

Another fan spoke on similar lines, as he used John Hunter Nemechek’s example. He said, “I think he would benefit from going to the Xfinity or Trucks. If he’s able to win down there, he might be able to make his way back to Cup like JHN. I don’t see LaJoie getting a competitive Cup ride, so it would make sense to drop down to the lower series and at least contend for wins. I’m sure he can get a decent ride in those series.”

On the other hand, some fans provided alternate career options for LaJoie, probably with a hint of banter. One said, “Broadcast booth for the Trucks.” At the same time, another fan insisted he join his father, Randy LaJoie, in the seat business.

Nevertheless, it is interesting to see what happens with Corey LaJoie and his NASCAR career. Will his Spire Motorsports exit turn out to be a blessing in disguise? Well, only time can answer this.