With Opportunity Finally In His Hands, Can Corey LaJoie Propel Spire Motorsports to New Heights After His New Extension?

While 2023 may have been a forgetful season for some teams that failed to make any strides in the Cup Series, that is certainly not the case for the likes of Corey LaJoie and Spire Motorsports. Building on the momentum they had gained in 2022, the #7 garage has placed LaJoie on a career-best rollercoaster this year. This is why LaJoie’s contract renewal for several years with Spire Motorsports was an unsurprising announcement for most NASCAR fans.

The team has already decided to make strides in the Truck Series by purchasing Kyle Bush’s team, which has the most accolades in Truck Series history. Add to that a $40 million charter from Live Fast Motorsports for a third entry in 2024, and it’s evident just how committed the team is to its future in motors.port. With expansions all across the board for Spire Motorsports, could next year be even greater for Corey LaJoie?

Corey LaJoie sets a new benchmark for Spire Motorsports

While Ty Dillon was gearing up for a brilliant 2023 season in the #77 for Spire Motorsports, that prospect failed to materialize. After ending the year with a 27.5 average finishing position, Dillon had a nightmarish year where he would end up as the lowest-finishing full-time Cup Series driver in 32nd. This resulted in a major shift from their star driver to Carson Hocevar. As for Dillon, his hopes now lie with Kaulig Racing.

But on the other side of the garage with Corey Lajoie, all expectations were crushed right off the bat. LaJoie ended the season on top of the world with the best results he’s ever had. The #7 car would grace the top-five two times along with three top-ten finishes, his finishing position average also improved to 20.8, a stark contrast to Dillon’s 27.5. The best moments of the season for Spire Motorsports came when LaJoie finished fourth at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway.

Adding to his strong outing, LaJoie will also be expected to step into a mentor role for newcomers Carson Hocevar and Zane Smith. Both his teammates are young and feisty, which will only push the #7 driver more toward delivering his best season yet. While the playoffs may be a far cry for now, it won’t be surprising if LaJoie visits the top five a handful of times along with many more top-ten finishes.

On the crew side of things, Luke Lambert and Stephen Doran will make up the rest of the crew chief lineup at Spire Motorsports for next season. Lambert will join forces with Carson Hocevar and #77 while Doran gets to work with Smith and #71. This means Corey LaJoie and Ryan Sparks will be the star duo of Spire Motorsports once again.

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Let’s consider how the 2023 season unfolded for Corey Lajoie and Spire Motorsport’s mega preparations for the future. It’s only safe to say that LaJoie has played his cards right. Speaking of Spire Motorsports’ success, they recently announced a major sponsor for Carson Hocevar and the #77.

Spire Motorsports continue to strengthen their NASCAR presence

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A few weeks ago, Zeigler Auto Group announced their intentions to partner up with Spire Motorsports and Carson Hocevar for the 2024 Cup Series season as a primary sponsor for select races. The company and Hocevar both hail from Michigan, making the pair the ultimate hometown favorites for Michigan natives next season.

Sharing his delight in partnering up with the new face at Spire, the owner of Zeigler Auto Group, Aaron Zeigler was quoted by RacingAmerica, “Today is another big day in the history of our organization. We have been involved in NASCAR for the last four years, and this year, we were looking for a team and a driver that has the same burning desire to win that we do as an organization. In 2024, we’re going to be one of the primary sponsors for the No. 77 Spire team.”

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It’s safe to say Spire Motorsports is pulling out all the stops to ensure their drivers have everything it takes to be competent next season. Building on his ever-increasing success, can Corey LaJoie continue his hot streak?