Corey LaJoie entered the 2024 NASCAR season with the weight of expectation on his shoulders. The narrative was clear: this was supposed to be his year to silence critics and prove his worth to Spire Motorsports. However, things didn’t go as planned. LaJoie’s inability to replicate his 2023 form, combined with a string of mistakes and underwhelming performances, has led Spire Motorsports to make the tough decision to part ways with the veteran driver after the season.
With LaJoie’s departure looming, Spire is already on the hunt for a replacement to fill the coveted No. 7 seat for 2025 and beyond. According to veteran NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass, Spire has its eye on a rising star. Pockrass predicts that a driver from Rick Ware Racing (RWR) is in line to take over LaJoie’s spot. The driver has impressed with consistent performances and is seen as a potential key to Spire’s future success.
Spire Motorsports has been steadily growing, thanks in part to its strategic partnerships with Hendrick Motorsports and Trackhouse Racing. These relationships have given Spire access to resources and technical expertise that have contributed to their development as a competitive force in NASCAR. The addition of Rodney Childers, a respected crew chief from Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), is another major move for the team. Childers will take over as crew chief for the No. 7 car next season, while current crew chief Ryan Sparks will focus on his new role as competition director.
Pockrass believes these changes are crucial for Spire’s future growth and competitiveness: “With Hendrick and Trackhouse partnerships, and Rodney Childers coming in as crew chief, Spire is positioning itself for long-term success. The addition of a new driver who can consistently deliver will be key.”
LaJoie’s 2024 season has been riddled with mistakes, some of which have had significant consequences. One of the most notable incidents occurred at Watkins Glen, where LaJoie was involved in a lap-one wreck that took out championship contenders Ryan Blaney and Denny Hamlin. The crash, which started when LaJoie made contact with Kyle Busch, caused NASCAR to park Blaney and left Hamlin’s race in shambles.
Hamlin didn’t hold back in his post-race comments, placing the blame squarely on LaJoie: “It was Corey LaJoie who caused the incident. He spun Busch, and that set off a chain reaction that took out several drivers.” The frustration from top drivers like Hamlin highlights the growing impatience within the NASCAR community regarding LaJoie’s on-track mistakes.
As LaJoie prepares for his final races with Spire, all eyes will be on how he handles the remainder of the 2024 season. With his future uncertain and Spire already looking ahead, it will be interesting to see if LaJoie can finish on a high note—or if his struggles will continue until the bitter end.
