Corey LaJoie has always been a blue-collar battler in the NASCAR Cup Series, fighting tooth and nail for every opportunity. But when Spire Motorsports blindsided him, trading his ride to Rick Ware Racing for seven races in 2024, LaJoie found himself on the brink—his NASCAR career teetering on the edge of uncertainty.
Desperate to lock himself into the Great American Race, LaJoie made a move that left the NASCAR world stunned—he drained his kids’ college fund to buy his way into a Daytona 500 seat. The revelation came after he secured his place in the big race through the Thursday Night Duel, a moment that should have been a celebration. Instead, it ignited one of the biggest controversies of the NASCAR season.
From Critic to Controversy: LaJoie’s Pay-to-Play Dilemma
For years, LaJoie has been outspoken about how money dictates NASCAR opportunities. “The rides that are valuable are gonna get bought by guys with money,” he once said. And yet, when his own career was at stake, he played the very game he once condemned—forking over a four-figure check (his words: “four zeros, one comma”) to ensure he made the field.
“It was all of my kids’ college fund rolled into one race.”
The NASCAR world exploded. Some saw LaJoie’s move as gutsy, an ultimate bet on himself. Others were furious, questioning his morality as a father. One fan didn’t hold back:
“Corey LaJoie is a terrible person and a terrible father.”
The Gamble Pays Off—But at What Cost?
The gamble could have been catastrophic. The Daytona 500’s unpredictability is legendary, and had he failed to qualify, LaJoie’s financial decision could have backfired spectacularly. But thanks to a sixth-place finish in the Duel, he made it in.
Even better? DuraMAX and Take 5 Oil Change stepped up as sponsors, returning his money and saving him from a financial disaster.
“I’m not sure what the future holds quite yet… but I’m excited that the first box we set out to check was coming down here and making the Great American Race, and that’s what we did.”
Yet, the backlash didn’t subside. Many fans refused to let LaJoie off the hook, slamming him for downplaying the severity of his choice.
“That’s so f—— irresponsible. I love racing, but my child’s future is off-limits, especially in a crapshoot race like the Duels.”
Sarcasm or Serious? The Debate Rages On
As the controversy swirled, some fans defended LaJoie, arguing that he was exaggerating for effect.
“It’s sarcasm. The guy is getting paid well by Spire for this entire year. He’s fine.”
If it was a joke, it didn’t land well. LaJoie, who has previously criticized lower-tier NASCAR series, was already a polarizing figure. Now, he’s at the center of a debate about just how far a driver should go to keep their career alive.
Now What? The Pressure is On
With a Daytona 500 seat secured and sponsors backing his ride, LaJoie now faces a career-defining moment.
A strong performance could reignite his NASCAR career, proving that his risk was worth the reward. But if he crashes out early, expect the backlash to intensify—and the scrutiny over his all-or-nothing gamble to only grow louder.
Corey LaJoie rolled the dice. Now, he has to prove it wasn’t for nothing.