As 2025 begins, Corey LaJoie finds himself in a precarious position. His four-year stint with Spire Motorsports has ended, leaving the 34-year-old driver without a confirmed ride. While his family legacy in motorsports looms large, LaJoie’s career has been a mix of promise, underperformance, and controversy, raising questions about whether he’s a victim of bad luck or simply outmatched at NASCAR’s top level.
A Promising Start
LaJoie’s racing pedigree is undeniable. Born into the LaJoie racing dynasty in Concord, North Carolina, he grew up under the guidance of his grandfather Don, a New England Auto Racing Hall of Famer, and his father Randy, a two-time NASCAR Busch Series champion. Corey’s early success in karting, Bandoleros, and ARCA racing seemed to position him as the next in line to carry the family torch.
His path to the NASCAR Cup Series, however, was marred by challenges. After an unremarkable debut in 2014, he bounced around teams like BK Racing, TriStar Motorsports, and Go Fas Racing. LaJoie’s big break came in 2021 when he joined Spire Motorsports, a small but ambitious team eager to make its mark in NASCAR’s premier division.
The Spire Motorsports Chapter
LaJoie’s tenure at Spire had its moments of promise. He logged three top-fives and six top-tens, with career-best fourth-place finishes at high-profile tracks like Atlanta, Talladega, and Daytona. More importantly, he helped stabilize and grow a fledgling team, playing a key role in its expansion to three full-time entries and its acquisition of Kyle Busch Motorsports’ Truck Series assets.
Yet, as Spire ascended, LaJoie’s performance plateaued. In 2024, he managed just three top-tens and one top-five—numbers that paled compared to rookie teammate Carson Hocevar, who notched seven top-tens and one top-five. Criticism from peers like Denny Hamlin and Ryan Preece compounded his woes, painting a picture of a driver who, while talented, struggled with consistency and discipline.
The Fallout and Future Prospects
The culmination of these struggles came in August 2024, when Spire announced it would part ways with LaJoie. Midseason, he swapped seats with Justin Haley, taking over Rick Ware Racing’s No. 51 Ford. While LaJoie’s debut in the RWR car included a respectable 15th-place finish at Kansas and 14th at Las Vegas, frequent inspection penalties and five DNFs marred his overall performance.
Despite these setbacks, there’s a glimmer of hope for LaJoie. Rick Ware Racing is investing heavily in its program, forming a technical alliance with RFK Racing and beefing up its staff. LaJoie’s history of helping smaller teams grow could make him an asset—if he can shake off the controversies and deliver consistent results.
A Turning Point
Corey LaJoie’s journey reflects the complexities of making it in NASCAR. His raw talent and family legacy are undeniable, but the roadblocks—some self-inflicted—have kept him from reaching his full potential.
As the NASCAR community watches his next move, the question remains: Can Corey LaJoie reinvent himself and thrive, or has the sport moved past him? With teams like RWR still evaluating their options, 2025 may well be the year that defines LaJoie’s future in NASCAR—or marks the end of the road.
