Corey LaJoie aims for Truck Series victory with Spire Motorsports as he takes on a new challenge: winning at least one race during his scheduled nine appearances in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. With his return to the series coinciding with high anticipation and pressure, LaJoie’s focus is solely on capturing a long-awaited national series win that has so far eluded him.
LaJoie is no stranger to tough choices throughout his racing journey, having bypassed traditional moves through the Xfinity and Truck Series to leap directly from ARCA to the Cup Series. Unlike many of his peers, who refined their skills in lower NASCAR series, LaJoie opted for a direct route to the sport’s top level. This unorthodox progression resulted in limited experience—just 22 Xfinity starts and five Truck starts—and a lengthy gap since he last competed in either of those divisions. Notably, his most recent Xfinity race took place in 2017, and until 2023, he had not entered a Truck race since 2014.
Rebounding After Setbacks and Missed Opportunities
Midway through last season, LaJoie lost his Cup ride at Spire Motorsports, facing an uncertain future in NASCAR’s upper echelon. His path forward was also complicated by passing on a full-time Truck Series seat in the No. 19 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing truck—a move that ultimately cleared the way for Daniel Hemric’s 2025 plans with the team. Additionally, LaJoie’s candid remarks about the quality of competition in NASCAR’s lower series created further controversy and fueled debate in the garage area.
As he prepares to make his first Truck Series start of 2025, now also serving as a Prime Video broadcaster, LaJoie’s perspective reflects experience and humility. He has made it clear that the only acceptable outcome during this nine-race stretch is a win.
“I’m looking to just, be like – For myself, I want to win a national race,”
—Corey LaJoie, NASCAR driver
LaJoie has come close to glory on some of NASCAR’s biggest stages, but he believes that finishing first, rather than as runner-up, fundamentally changes a driver’s reputation among competitors. This drive underpins his determination for the current campaign.
“So, that’s objective number one. I’m not even thinking about objective number two, because it’s kind of like the right opportunity is gonna unfold. If it doesn’t, then you don’t take it. The right deal will come about if you go do your job and execute, and see what, see whatever the future holds.”
—Corey LaJoie, NASCAR driver
Navigating Pressure and Seeking Redemption on Track
LaJoie found a home on the reconfigured Atlanta track during his Cup Series tenure, showing flashes of skill but ultimately lacking the wins or lower-series résumé to remain in the top ranks. Thus, the current nine-race run in the Truck Series presents as both a rare opportunity and a personal trial, with nothing else to rely on if things do not go well.
He has been open about his past tendency to over-control situations, learning through over a decade in the sport that a lighter touch can lead to better results. As he enters his first race of the stretch at Michigan, LaJoie plans to embrace this approach fully.
“The more that I try to control, I’ve learned this after doing it for like 10, 12 years, the more that I hold on and try to work things out, the worse that it goes. So, I’m going to hold onto this thing loosely, I’m gonna race the hell out of this thing tomorrow at Michigan. Then go, keep it moving. You’ll see my mug on TV [on Prime Video].”
—Corey LaJoie, NASCAR driver
Looking Ahead: Expectations, Challenges, and a Chance to Surprise
With Spire Motorsports’ Truck entries reportedly not performing as strongly as in 2024, LaJoie will need to maximize every opportunity to compete up front. Still, his team is expected to provide enough speed at Michigan, keeping hopes alive that he might deliver a surprise and alter perceptions on the NASCAR stage.
The unique complexity of LaJoie’s journey adds another layer to this campaign—a test of both ability and resilience against an intense, unpredictable backdrop. For NASCAR followers and industry insiders, his quest for a Truck Series win is a storyline that could reshape future racing opportunities and validate the support of those who have continued to believe in his potential.
