With Zane Smith officially locked in to drive Front Row Motorsports’ third car for 2025, the NASCAR Cup Series driver market is nearing its conclusion. Only one notable seat remains open: the No. 51 Ford Mustang at Rick Ware Racing (RWR). But for Corey LaJoie, who drove the car in the final stretch of 2024, the path to securing that ride full-time appears increasingly unlikely.
A Rocky Transition for LaJoie
LaJoie found himself in the No. 51 midway through the 2024 season after a surprising mid-season swap with Justin Haley. Haley moved to Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 car under a multi-year deal, leaving LaJoie to prove his mettle in a new environment. While Haley has since become the centerpiece of Spire’s program, LaJoie’s future with Rick Ware Racing remains precarious.
Adding to the uncertainty, FOX reporter Bob Pockrass recently poured cold water on speculation about LaJoie’s return to the No. 51. Responding to a fan query on social media platform X, Pockrass stated, “Corey LaJoie is still working on his 2025 plans but not expected to be full time in the RWR No. 51 in 2025. Cody Ware appears to be the likely driver of that car.”
A Tough Battle Against Internal Competition
The biggest hurdle for LaJoie lies in the competition for the No. 51 seat. Rick Ware Racing’s owner, Rick Ware, seems to be favoring his son, Cody Ware, for the ride. With family ties and team dynamics at play, LaJoie faces steep odds in securing the car for the upcoming season.
LaJoie’s lack of a multi-year commitment further complicates matters. While he showed flashes of competitiveness during his seven-race stint with RWR, the lack of a long-term deal leaves him at a disadvantage compared to other drivers already cementing their places for 2025.
Limited Opportunities Elsewhere
With most competitive seats already filled, LaJoie’s options in the Cup Series are dwindling. Notable moves such as Riley Herbst joining 23XI Racing and Zane Smith returning to Front Row Motorsports have left LaJoie without clear alternatives. At 33 years old, the veteran driver finds himself in a tough spot in a sport where younger talent is often prioritized.
What’s Next for LaJoie?
While the odds may be against LaJoie, all hope is not lost. His experience and adaptability could still make him an appealing option for a part-time role or a potential reserve driver position. However, if Rick Ware Racing ultimately selects Cody Ware for the No. 51, LaJoie may be forced to look outside the Cup Series to continue his racing career.
The situation underscores the harsh realities of NASCAR’s driver market: even for experienced drivers like Corey LaJoie, securing a seat can come down to timing, team politics, and sponsorship backing. For now, LaJoie’s future remains uncertain, and his prospects for 2025 hang in the balance.
