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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

One person stands at the nexus of tradition and contemporary in the constantly changing NASCAR landscape: Corey Lajoie. Lajoie is a rising star in the Cup Series, presently ranked 12th in the standings. His impact off the track is arguably greater than his skill on it. Lajoie has taken on the pioneer role, attracting audiences as a driver and the host of the highly regarded podcast series “Stacking Pennies.” He just doesn’t feel satisfied enough to limit himself to racing. However, Lajoie’s recent participation in The Athletic’s Jeff Gluck’s “12 Questions Podcast” has sparked debate within the NASCAR community.

Lajoie’s frank answers reveal his viewpoint on the sport, its supporters, and the impact of pop culture as Gluck explores the 12 questions that reveal the depths of a racer’s mentality. Lajoie’s observations provide an intriguing look into the changing dynamics of NASCAR in the twenty-first century, against the backdrop of a changing fan base and the conflict between traditional values and modern sensibilities.

Corey Lajoie Ignites NASCAR’s Cultural Renaissance

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In a revealing moment on the “12 Questions Podcast,” Corey Lajoie offered a perspective on NASCAR that diverges from the sentiments of many fans. Amidst discussions about the sport’s resurgence, Lajoie boldly declares, “NASCAR is getting cool again.”

Delving deeper into his viewpoint, Lajoie underscored the concerted efforts of the NASCAR marketing team, stating, “There’s been a collective push with the NASCAR marketing team and it was like, ‘OK, what are we pushing?'” He elaborated on the narrative shift, noting, “The narrative going into this year is ‘NASCAR is hard’.” With a nod to the challenges inherent in the sport, Lajoie emphasized, “NASCAR is hard to work in. It’s hard to cover. It’s hard to drive, it’s hard to pit one.” Embracing a message of resilience and excellence, Lajoie applauded NASCAR’s emphasis on the challenges.

However, Lajoie asserted that NASCAR’s resurgence lies in its integration with pop culture, which truly captures attention. “We’ve got DJ Khaled coming (to Daytona). We’ve got The Rock coming as the grand marshal,” he shared, illustrating the sport’s crossover appeal.

Lajoie further emphasized this point by referencing the phenomenon of fans sporting throwback apparel featuring names like Elliott Sadler, a testament to NASCAR’s enduring cultural relevance. As Lajoie champions the sport’s newfound coolness, he reflects on the impact of throwback apparel and increased visibility, signaling a promising future for NASCAR’s evolution.

Lajoie’s Podcasting Odyssey: A Peek Behind the Curtain

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Reflecting on his extensive podcasting journey spanning 3 years, Corey Lajoie offers profound insights into his continued dedication to the medium. When posed with the question of why he persists in podcasting, Lajoie candidly admits, “It’s a good question. I ask myself that every week.”

Despite the inherent challenges, Lajoie’s passion for the sport shines through as he elucidates his motivations. “One, I love it. I love talking about the sport in a positive light because it does seem to be the sentiment from certain media and a lot of fans that there’s a negative perception of the sport,” he asserted.

He emphasizes NASCAR’s efforts to cultivate a positive environment for fans and acknowledges the opportunities the sport has afforded him. “NASCAR really tries to put the sport in a great place and do cool things for the fans that really deliver. So I like being able to tell that side of the story because I know it’s provided me a life I never could have dreamed of. I like giving fans a peek behind the curtain there. I love the platform that NASCAR has given me to do it,” affirmed Lajoie.

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Furthermore, Lajoie views podcasting as a platform for personal growth and learning, allowing him to broaden his perspective beyond the confines of competition. As he gears up for another season of “Stacking Pennies,” Lajoie eagerly anticipates engaging with a diverse array of guests, including esteemed figures like Shane van Gisbergen. In Lajoie’s eyes, podcasting not only adds value to his brand and partnerships but also serves as a means of enriching the fan experience and fostering a deeper connection with the sport.

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Read More: Devon Rouse Hopes to Open Doors to Integrate the LGBTQ+ Community in NASCAR

In essence, Corey Lajoie’s bold commentary on pop culture’s rising influence within NASCAR reflects a pivotal moment in the sport’s ongoing evolution. As Lajoie navigates the intersection of tradition and modernity, his insights prompt critical reflection among fans. While some may resist these changes, Lajoie’s perspective highlights the potential for NASCAR to thrive in a dynamic cultural landscape.