Corey LaJoie, a former NASCAR Cup Series driver, is officially returning to the track by joining Spire Motorsports for nine NASCAR Truck Series events, stepping into a seat previously raced by Kyle Larson, after building momentum as a popular race analyst in 2025. This transition, marked by LaJoie’s compelling presence in the Amazon Prime Video broadcast booth, has reignited both his own racing ambitions and fan support, setting high expectations for his Truck Series comeback and building buzz around the Kyle Larson former Cup driver joins Truck Series roster storyline.
From Spire and Rick Ware to Amazon’s Booth: LaJoie’s Unexpected Journey
Corey LaJoie’s career took a dramatic turn during the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season. After four challenging seasons with Spire Motorsports without tasting victory, LaJoie exited the organization as rookie Carson Hocevar soared ahead on the track. His final stint with Rick Ware Racing in the closing seven races of 2024 left many wondering about his next step, as he departed NASCAR’s premier division facing an uncertain future. Approaching 2025, however, LaJoie signaled that big changes were coming, motivated in part by new opportunities and renewed optimism. As he put it,
“The Amazon piece is one of the reasons why this year is going to look a little bit different.”
—Corey LaJoie, Race Analyst
In January 2025, LaJoie shifted gears off the track, embracing the role of race analyst for Amazon Prime Video’s Cup Series coverage. Teaming up with veteran Carl Edwards to break down the Coca-Cola 600 and the Cracker Barrel 400, LaJoie quickly won over fans with his candid style, signature burnout rankings, and a lighthearted beer-drinking tradition celebrating the race winner. His engaging personality reignited his popularity, turning broadcasting into a vital chapter of his racing journey. The positive fan response and increased visibility in the booth drew interest from both sponsors and team owners, reopening doors that seemed closed at the end of 2024.
LaJoie’s unique narrative stood out: instead of trying to claw his way back through strictly on-track results, he rebuilt his reputation and value as a trusted, relatable voice—restoring faith among the racing community and his own support network.
LaJoie to Drive Kyle Larson’s Truck Series Ride for Spire Motorsports
The pivotal news came in June 2025, just ahead of the Michigan race weekend. LaJoie will compete in nine NASCAR Truck Series races this season, piloting the No. 07 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports—a truck with proven speed and recent success thanks to Kyle Larson’s memorable comeback win at the Baptist Health 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. With LaJoie entering the same truck that carried Larson to victory, expectations are high for another strong run.
Journalist Bob Pockrass confirmed the move in a June 2025 announcement:
“Corey LaJoie to drive nine truck races for Spire. He’ll be in the 07 for Michigan, Richmond, and the final seven races.”
—Bob Pockrass, Journalist
This new schedule puts LaJoie in the No. 07 Chevrolet at Michigan, Richmond, and the final seven Truck Series events of the year. In total, he will appear nine times for Spire, all while continuing his highly visible work as Amazon’s race analyst. The arrangement demonstrates Spire Motorsports’ faith in LaJoie and his ability to balance multiple roles, both behind the wheel and behind the microphone.
LaJoie’s return to the Truck Series marks an unusual comeback: he has just five career starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series to date, including one race for Spire in 2024 and two appearances in 2023. His best finish came in 2014 at Bristol, when he drove for Ricky Benton and earned a tenth-place result. Nonetheless, his active presence in the sport is clear—he has already run three Cup Series races in 2025 with Rick Ware Racing, including a start in the season-opening Daytona 500, deepening his relevance among drivers and fans alike.
Balancing Broadcasting Fame and a New Shot at Racing Glory
LaJoie’s successful transition into television turned an uncertain exit from Cup racing into a powerful comeback story. When asked about how his leap to the broadcast booth influenced his new racing opportunities, he expressed appreciation for the timing and impact of his Amazon experiences.
“With the Amazon guys knocking on my door and I had fallen out of love with the sport a bit and became disenchanted with the sport, I was looking for ways to love it again.”
—Corey LaJoie, Race Analyst
Reengaging with NASCAR from the booth reignited LaJoie’s connection to the sport and opened the door for his dual-role return to the competition, proving that fan support and a strong media presence can have a real, positive impact on an athlete’s second act.
The Spire Motorsports organization, having witnessed LaJoie’s dedication over the years, warmly welcomed his renewed commitment. A sense of unfinished business lingers, driven by LaJoie’s instrumental role in the team’s development since its humble beginnings as a fledgling Cup Series outfit in 2021 to its status as a three-car operation by 2024. Despite losing his Cup Series ride last season, LaJoie continues to take pride in supporting Spire Motorsports through their growth and evolution.
Team Goals and a Push for the Championship
LaJoie steps into the seat that brought Kyle Larson a truck victory in 2025, with a clear goal: to propel the No. 07 Chevrolet not just back to victory lane, but to vie for a Truck Series championship.
“It’ll be nice to have some consistency with the team to get acclimated to these vehicles, chase some wins and hopefully, a Truck Series owner’s championship.”
—Corey LaJoie, Race Analyst and Driver
Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson offered insight into the decision to bring LaJoie back into their Truck Series fold, reflecting on the values and strengths he brings.
“While discussing our best path to bring Spire our first Truck Series Championship and describing what we needed in a driver, the driver we were all talking about without saying his name was Corey LaJoie. So, when I ran into Corey in the motorhome lot one morning earlier this spring, I asked him what he thought about coming home and doing this. He is synonymous with what we’ve built here over the last few years and deserves this opportunity. I’m looking forward to getting him in the truck at Michigan to work out some kinks and start getting a game plan together for the playoffs.”
—Jeff Dickerson, Co-Owner Spire Motorsports
LaJoie’s consistent presence and unique racing perspective—shaped by years of both struggle and on-air storytelling—have equipped him to seize this moment. Success in the Truck Series would solidify a remarkable comeback and add fresh energy to Spire’s championship ambitions.
The Road Ahead: Fan Support, High Stakes, and New Beginnings
Public excitement has surged as LaJoie re-enters full-time Truck Series competition. His journey resonates widely, from NASCAR fans who followed his Cup Series struggles to those who discovered him through media or his “Stacking Pennies” podcast. With the support of team leaders like Dickerson and the momentum generated by Kyle Larson’s accomplishments in the No. 07 truck, LaJoie appears well-positioned to capitalize on his second chance at the racetrack.
As the NASCAR Truck Series paddock heads into the heart of the 2025 season, attention will remain focused on whether Corey LaJoie’s comeback story can translate into wins—and possibly a championship. His dual role as an outspoken analyst and determined competitor ensures that his path forward will continue to draw interest from the garage, the media, and a passionate fan base. If LaJoie and Spire Motorsports succeed, this could become one of the most uplifting underdog stories in recent NASCAR history, highlighting the vital connection between athlete reinvention, fan enthusiasm, and opportunity in professional racing.
