Corey LaJoie, a third-generation racer and current Rick Ware Racing driver, recently shared his thoughts on his CARS Tour racing experience at North Wilkesboro Speedway, highlighting both his excitement and concerns regarding the event. Competing among 36 drivers, LaJoie finished 28th, stating after the race that while the experience was mostly positive, the track might be too fast for some of the less-experienced drivers. The event took place at the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway, a track renowned for its intensity and demanding conditions, under the ownership of NASCAR icons Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick.
The CARS Tour, often described as a premier grassroots late model stock car series, is largely based across the Carolinas, Virginia, and Tennessee. Since its inception in 2014 as a successor to the USAR Pro Cup Series, it has attracted considerable attention, particularly after its 2023 acquisition by Earnhardt Jr., Harvick, Jeff Burton, and Justin Marks. This ownership group, which brings substantial NASCAR experience and credibility, has helped rejuvenate the series and inspired a new generation of aspiring drivers. The CARS Tour is well-known for featuring both late model stock cars and pro late models, often on the same night and at the same venue, creating ample opportunities for development and competition.
Corey LaJoie reflected on his own transition into the CARS Tour and the challenges presented by his recent race. Speaking candidly to NASCAR journalist Peter Stratta, LaJoie emphasized the unique test posed by the high-speed track, noting,
This honest assessment resonated within the racing community, considering his own journey from early days in go-karts and late models, through winning the 2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Most Popular Driver award, to competing in the top tiers of NASCAR. His background adds weight to his analysis, as he understands the rigorous demands placed on drivers at every level.
Currently driving the #12 car for KP Speed Motorsports, Corey LaJoie has been balancing a part-time NASCAR Cup Series schedule, including three starts in the 2025 Cup season and a finish of 22nd in the Daytona 500. His recent switch from Spire Motorsports to Rick Ware Racing has prompted reflection on his future prospects, with LaJoie expressing during a FrontStretch Media interview that a return to full-time Cup competition would be “great.” Honor and expectations aside, his statements about the CARS Tour illustrate a concern for driver development and safety, especially as the series grows in profile and speed.
Corey LaJoie’s perspective holds significance not only for competitors but also for organizers working to ensure that rising talents are adequately prepared for the intensity of venues like North Wilkesboro. With experienced voices like LaJoie’s offering insights, there is both reassurance and urgency for the series to find a balance between fostering talent and maintaining safety. The CARS Tour, under its notable ownership, is poised to further boost grassroots racing, while the reflections of racers like Corey LaJoie will likely shape how events are adapted to match the skill and readiness of their participants.
