September’s designation as Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month has thrust LaJoie into the spotlight for his recent charitable efforts. Despite currently sitting in 26th place in the standings and being out of the playoff picture, LaJoie’s name continues to dominate headlines. Whether it’s his recent multi-year contract extension with Spire Motorsports or his deep-rooted passion for a different sport and his philanthropic endeavors.
Corey LaJoie’s love for kickball is a well-known secret within the NASCAR community. When combined with his unwavering dedication of charitable work, it gives rise to the beloved ‘Kickball Klassic,’ a mainstay in the NASCAR season alongside the full-fledged race schedule.
Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson unite in Kickball extravaganza
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Following NASCAR’s Talladega stint, the NASCAR paddock will converge upon Kannapolis, a pitstop en route to The Roval, the final round of 12 race. Nestled within North Carolina’s scenic backdrop, the Atrium Health Ballpark will play host to the much-anticipated Kickball Klassic on October 5th.
This charitable extravaganza is orchestrated with the noble purpose of amassing funds for nonprofit organizations, such as the YMCA, Samaritan’s Feet, and NEGU, which lend unwavering support to pediatric cancer warriors. Notably, the inaugural Kickball Klassic back in 2021 yielded a commendable $150,000 while the subsequent year amassed an even more impressive $200,000. The 2023 event aims to reach a goal of $300,000 LaJoie revealed.
The Kickball affair also promises a star-studded lineup hailing from NASCAR’s elite echelons, as well as retired NFL legends, making up the roster for four celebrity teams.
One particular ensemble is under the leadership of retired legend Kurt Busch, with Bubba Wallace and HMS star Kyle Larson set to join forces. When talking about the grid’s strengths in Kickball, LaJoie, as per The Athletic, lauded Larson‘s uncanny precision, “Nobody can put the ball right up against the foul line like he can. Doesn’t know much of the mechanics or how things work, but he just puts the ball where it needs to be.”
As for Wallace, LaJoie dubbed him the “smack talker”, asserting, “Without question the biggest smack talker. He’ll be under pressure to carry his team to a second consecutive championship. He’s an average athlete, which, for a race car driver, means he’s a good athlete.”
LaJoie’s Bristol car, a golden tribute to pediatric cancer warriors
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For LaJoie, this event transcends obligation; it’s a profound calling rooted in empathy. In a recent heartwarming display of compassion, LaJoie made a visit to the St. Jude Affiliate Clinic, a sanctuary for young warriors battling cancer. Armed with joyjars, brimming with toys, LaJoie engaged with young patients, offering them gifts, and signing autographs.
He expressed, “They probably inspire me a lot more than I inspire them. I’m just a guy wearing fireproof pajamas walking into the room and giving them toys like a glorified Santa Claus. But you just look at those kids fighting and how positive they are. I’ll leave here with a heavy heart. Those kids are on my mind for a long time.”
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In a tribute to these valiant cancer fighters, this week’s Bristol Speedway will bear witness to the No. 7 Chevy, adorned with a dedication befitting Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. LaJoie, during a pre-race press conference, added, “It’s just the number in gold foil. The gold ribbon signifies Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, which is September. It actually helps me, too, keep in perspective how much of a blessing it is to do what I do each weekend.”
“We’ve got families with kids that are fighting for their lives. It’s a nice perspective adjustment before rolling into the racetrack for a race weekend.”
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With the Bristol race weekend just around the corner and only a few weeks left until the Kickball Klassic, anticipation is reaching its peak as we eagerly await the spectacle of on and off-track antics that lie ahead.