Corey LaJoie’s spins a narrative after crushing Atlanta defeat left fans questioning what really happened on the track. The race at Atlanta Motor Speedway was intense, with drivers battling for position in a crowded field. A major wreck changed everything, and Corey LaJoie was caught in the chaos. His comments after the crash raised eyebrows. Was it just bad luck, or did his own mistake put him in a tough spot?
Key Highlights
- Corey LaJoie’s race at Atlanta Motor Speedway ended prematurely due to a severe crash.
- LaJoie started from 35th position and encountered a multi-car wreck on Lap 150.
- The crash resulted in a disappointing 38th-place finish, his lowest of the season.
- LaJoie’s struggle to avoid mid-pack chaos exemplifies his ongoing performance challenges.
- A poor start to the 2025 season raises doubts about his NASCAR career prospects.
Corey LaJoie’s Career Struggles
Corey LaJoie’s career in NASCAR has been marked by persistent struggles, despite his deep roots in the racing world. As the son of two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion Randy LaJoie, expectations were high when Corey entered the scene.
Over the course of more than a decade, however, he has yet to secure a victory in any of NASCAR’s three national series. With over 300 starts, his expedition has been a demonstration of perseverance in the face of adversity, yet it also highlights the challenges of living up to a storied family name.
The 2025 season, much like those before it, is proving to be a difficult period for LaJoie, as he continues to search for that elusive breakthrough. Despite showing occasional flashes of talent, he has often been unable to convert opportunities into tangible results, leaving many to question his future in the sport.
Atlanta Motor Speedway Wreck
Pushing the limits at Atlanta Motor Speedway, LaJoie was determined to make up ground from a tough 35th-place start. His race strategy focused on traversing the turbulent mid-pack, where he faced fierce competition. As the race progressed, he remained vigilant, gaining positions with tactical maneuvers.
However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically nearing the end of Stage 2. Lap 150 proved crucial, as a multi-car wreck, entangling notable drivers like Chase Elliott and Brad Keselowski, unfolded unexpectedly.
LaJoie found himself caught in the chaos, unable to avoid the collision’s aftermath. While Elliott managed to escape with minimal damage, LaJoie’s No. 01 Ford sustained severe damage, effectively ending his race prematurely.
This incident marked a significant setback, forcing him to accept a 38th-place finish, his lowest of the season. The wreck highlighted the unpredictable nature of NASCAR, where fortunes can change in an instant, leaving drivers grappling with harsh realities.
Corey LaJoie’s Reaction to the Crash
In the aftermath of the crash, LaJoie openly addressed the challenges he faced racing in the middle of the pack. “In the hornet’s nest there, from like 14th to 25th, man, you are racing your a– off,” he stated, highlighting the fierce competition.
LaJoie admitted to a vital mistake, having misjudged his lane choice, which led him to the wrong place at the wrong time. “I was trying to favor down, and next thing I know, I was right rear turned into the fence,” he explained, acknowledging his error.
“We were racing our asses off, it was fun.”@CoreyLaJoie speaks after being taken out in the Chase Elliott incident late in Stage 2.#NASCAR pic.twitter.com/UfWFRVQuIL
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) February 23, 2025
Despite his admission, the underlying issue remains his struggle to avoid trouble and secure results when they matter most.
This incident is not isolated; LaJoie has previously experienced similar setbacks, such as the 2025 Daytona season opener where a last-lap wreck left him in 22nd place.
“It’s hard to run good enough and get in the Cup Series and continue to prove that you belong and after two weeks people forget.” – Corey LaJoie
His ongoing challenge is to prove his worth in the NASCAR Cup Series amid recurring disappointments.
A Season Off to a Bad Start
As the new NASCAR season unfolds, Corey LaJoie finds himself in a precarious position. He has completed two races, yet his performance has drawn concern. With one Did Not Finish (DNF) already and no top-20 finishes, LaJoie’s season is off to a rocky start. His struggles raise questions about his ability to rise above challenging circumstances.
While every driver must deal with bad luck, the most successful find ways to adapt and overcome. Currently, LaJoie appears to be stuck in a cycle of inconsistency, unable to break into the ranks of competitors who seize opportunities.
Whether it’s due to poor qualifying positions, engaging in unfavorable racing battles, or making costly decisions during critical moments, his results have yet to show improvement. In contrast, drivers like Chris Buescher and Michael McDowell have managed to capitalize on their chances, highlighting LaJoie’s ongoing struggle to achieve similar success.
Looking Ahead to COTA
Corey LaJoie faces essential challenges as he prepares for the upcoming race at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) on March 3.
After a disappointing start to the 2025 season, LaJoie is under stress to perform well at COTA, a track where his past performance has been inconsistent. His best finish was 11th in 2023, but last year he ended 24th.
To secure a better result, LaJoie must address key areas:
- Qualification: Consistently poor starting positions, like 35th at both Daytona and Atlanta, have left him vulnerable to race-end chaos.
- Tactics: COTA’s technical layout requires precision and a clean race to capitalize on tactical opportunities.
- Confidence: With back-to-back wrecks, LaJoie needs a strong performance to rebuild confidence and counter growing doubts about his racing future.
News in Brief: Corey LaJoie Spins a Narrative After Crushing Atlanta Defeat
Corey LaJoie’s crash at Atlanta Motor Speedway marks a notable setback in his NASCAR career, highlighting ongoing struggles this season. The wreck not only ended his race prematurely but also added strain as he looks to rebound.
With the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) race approaching, LaJoie faces the challenge of regaining momentum and addressing the issues that have plagued his performance. His focus now shifts to preparation and strategy, aiming for a successful turnaround in the upcoming events.
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