Why did Spire Motorsports decide to part ways with Corey LaJoie? The pair signed a multi-year contract extension in August 2023. Moreover, the intention to hire veteran Rodney Childers was to be crew chief for Corey LaJoie and his No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro. So where did it all change? Aside from a lack of good results this season, with just one top-five and top-ten result in 22 races, it may have something to do with a certain Kiwi making his way into the Cup Series.

According to a NASCAR insider, Corey LaJoie’s departure from Spire Motorsports has everything to do with road race king Shane van Gisbergen’s Cup Series destination, which will prompt a series of shuffles around the grid.

Could Shane van Gisbergen end up at Trackhouse Racing?

Circumstances in NASCAR change so quickly! When Corey LaJoie signed a multi-year extension with Spire Motorsports, he was forced to decline approaches from other teams. The driver had proven that he could evolve into a playoff contender while significant resources were being invested into the team as they looked to compete against NASCAR’s heavyweights. LaJoie had shown consistent improvement year after year at Spire Motorsports, but the 32-year-old has struggled with heightened expectations in 2024, in what was expected to be his breakthrough year.

Speculating about his future, insider ‘NASCAR Prophecy’ wrote on X, “I think everything going on with Corey Lajoie losing his ride has a lot to do with SVG. Don’t get me wrong his lackluster results play a major part as well. With SVG being a lock for the third trackhouse charter, they now need to find a permanent home for Zane Smith. The relationship between Trackhouse and Spire says everything I need to know in finding a forever home for Zane Smith.. In my opinion that home will be the #7 car with Rodney Childers as crew chief. #NASCAR @ZaneSmith”

Shane van Gisbergen, who is currently competing in the Xfinity Series, is expected to make the jump into NASCAR’s top tier in 2025. According to Fox Sports journalist Bob Pockrass, the New Zealand native could get the nod to drive a third Trackhouse Racing car, over Zane Smith, who has already signed for the team but is on loan at Spire Motorsports. As things stand, Trackhouse Racing operates as a two-car race team, with Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez behind the wheel. However, the team is expected to acquire one of Stewart-Haas Racing’s charters, which means Shane van Gisbergen could be filling that seat for Trackhouse Racing in 2025.

Where does that leave Zane Smith? Currently on loan at Spire Motorsports, Smith finished in 2nd place at Nashville Superspeedway, his only top-five or top-ten result of the season. Currently 33rd in the driver standings, with four DNFs in 22 races, Smith hasn’t shown enough in his season so far to warrant a place in Trackhouse Racing’s third charter.

However, given the relationship between Trackhouse Racing and Spire Motorsports, the teams could come to an agreement for Smith to drive Corey LaJoie’s No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro next season. As things stand, Smith’s results have been worse than LaJoie’s so far, so the question is, is it truly an upgrade for Spire Motorsports? A factor that will work in Zane Smith’s favor is that at the age of 25, he has far more room to grow into the playoff contender Spire Motorsports is looking for.

Spire Motorsports owner Jeff Dickerson pays tribute to Corey LaJoie

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While it may have ended sooner than Corey LaJoie expected, his time at Spire Motorsports has been a memorable one. The driver has been a part of Spire Motorsports since 2021, securing four top-five and six top-10 finishes in the last four seasons, including an impressive fourth-place finish at the Daytona 500 earlier this season. Over the last nine seasons, Corey Lajoie has made 258 Cup Series starts, 22 in the Xfinity Series, and five in Trucks. With his wealth of experience in NASCAR’s national series, it won’t be surprising if he finds his next destination quickly.

Expressing his gratitude for Corey Lajoie’s contribution, Spire Motorsports owner Jeff Dickerson said, “Corey LaJoie has been a cornerstone of Spire Motorsports since 2021 and it would be impossible to overstate what he’s meant to this organization and how much I’ve agonized over this decision. Corey put his heart and soul into this team.” Dickerson went on to say, “With Ryan (Sparks) moving upstairs, and Rodney (Childers) coming in next season, the best thing for Spire Motorsports is a clean slate for the No. 7 car in 2025. Corey deserves a fresh look from another organization, too, and we’ll do everything we can to help him get another opportunity in the Cup garage.”

With four races remaining until the regular season ends, Corey LaJoie will hope to finish his Spire Motorsports career on a strong note. Currently sitting in 28th place on points, LaJoie is racing for his future in the next four races, and he will be hungry to prove himself in front of potential employers. With NASCAR currently on a two-week Olympic break, LaJoie will look to refresh, refocus, and recharge before heading to Richmond Raceway.

What are your thoughts about Corey LaJoie’s departure from Spire Motorsports? Let us know in the comments!