Corey LaJoie, a figure known for his candid perspectives in motorsports, is now addressing public backlash after controversial comments about the NASCAR Truck Series earlier this year. His recent reflections on these remarks, paired with a significant new deal with Spire Motorsports, demonstrate a shift in outlook on his NASCAR career priorities and ambitions. The issue of Corey LaJoie NASCAR Truck Series comments and regrets remains at the center of fan and industry conversation.
Early Season Comments Spark Widespread Criticism
In January, as the 2025 NASCAR season neared, Corey LaJoie found himself at the heart of a controversy after remarks he delivered to FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass. Having lost his full-time Cup Series seat and with limited options, LaJoie made statements questioning why some drivers would choose to continue competing in the Xfinity and Truck Series after experiencing Cup racing. He dismissed the idea of being satisfied with wins in lower series, making sharp observations about “lifelong truck guys” and indirectly challenging the prestige of those victories compared to the top tier.
“Those guys that say they want to try to win, they win one or two truck races a year, and then they’re lifelong truck guys, and they never get to race on Sunday,”
LaJoie said. He added,
“Do you wanna go pump the ego up and hold a trophy on a Friday when there’s 12 people in the grandstands? … I can’t also justify to my partners that have been invested in me to go down to the lower divisions cause they don’t get return for their money. They want to bring their people to the big show, not to a Friday or Saturday show.”
—Corey LaJoie, Driver
The reaction from the racing community and fans was immediate and negative, particularly from members of the Truck garage who felt the comments were demeaning. As the season progressed, those remarks appeared more out of step with the realities facing many drivers and the value of the Truck Series itself.
As fate would have it, LaJoie would later announce his participation in nine of the final thirteen NASCAR Truck Series events with Spire Motorsports, assisting their owner‘s championship campaign. The move prompted fresh scrutiny of his earlier position and opened the door for public reflection and clarification.
Addressing Regret and Context Behind the Statements
Before the Michigan Truck race, LaJoie participated in a press conference to provide context around his past statements. He did not shy away from accountability, stating,
“I’ve said a lot of dumb things on camera, so that was just another one … So just to clear context up for everybody, I said that on the morning of a five-day fast,”
he admitted. —Corey LaJoie, Driver
LaJoie shared that his comments were delivered in an unusual and highly stressful personal circumstance, explaining he was “hangry” due to a prolonged fast and regretted his choice of words, especially the dismissive remark about fan attendance.
“I wish I wouldn’t have added that ’12 (fans)’ comment bit, right, because then people within the Truck garage took offense to it. Then … there’s so many things that it came out of, and it’s such a negative light for just a couple comments that I said when I was ‘hangry’,”
LaJoie further acknowledged. —Corey LaJoie, Driver
LaJoie emphasized there was no reluctance in accepting the new Truck opportunity with Spire Motorsports.
“I try to run as much as I can. Especially, you know, there are hundreds, if not 1000s of kids/drivers that would love this nine-race opportunity … I’m going to take it seriously. This is my shot, and l’ve been making a living at this for 10 years. But I don’t want to just be an also-ran and not take it seriously and be in the way for somebody who might deserve it more than I do. So I take all that into consideration. I’m gonna try all I’ve got.”
—Corey LaJoie, Driver
His attitude marks a notable change from his earlier stance, showing a renewed respect for the series and its athletes. LaJoie’s openness about his regret has resonated with many in the racing world, illustrating the pressures and emotional turbulence that come with career changes and public scrutiny.
Pursuing the Cup Series Dream While Reframing the Experience
As LaJoie resumes activity in the NASCAR Truck Series, he remains unwavering in his ultimate ambition: a permanent place in the Cup Series. He talked about how the frustration and disappointment of losing his ride influenced his previous attitudes.
“My only focus in my entire life was to be a Cup Series driver. No, that’s all I want to do. That’s all that I cared to work for since I was 12 years old, right? I was really pissed off and hungry, but that was my focus is to try to get back to Sunday with the right group.”
—Corey LaJoie, Driver
Nonetheless, LaJoie has begun to embrace the opportunities in front of him, noting the importance of having fun in the sport once more.
“But now, this is like, fun. I’ve been running some modified races, some late model races. I want to have fun because the Cup garage takes a lot of the fun out of it. It really does, because it’s just a grind, and especially when you’re not running as good as you want to run, it legitimately sucks the life out of you if you’re not getting any sort of external validation from it.”
—Corey LaJoie, Driver
This evolving mindset was reinforced by his recent practice experience.
“I was sitting in this in the truck today during practice,”
LaJoie began, expressing a newfound appreciation.
“And I just thought, like, I get to drive this thing. Somebody else owns it, somebody’s paying me to drive it. This is the best job ever. And I haven’t had that thought in like six years. So, just the perspective of going there and enjoying and really embracing it is what I’m excited for.”
—Corey LaJoie, Driver
LaJoie’s current role extends beyond the track, as he also contributes as an analyst for Prime Video, participating in coverage for NASCAR Cup races broadcasted this summer. His presence as both driver and commentator gives him a platform to demonstrate his changed perspective to both fans and industry colleagues.
Looking Forward: Redemption and Impact
Corey LaJoie’s journey illustrates how personal and professional adversity can lead to greater self-awareness. His willingness to revisit and openly regret his Corey LaJoie NASCAR Truck Series comments and regrets may strengthen relationships with both fans and NASCAR peers. Through his new alliance with Spire Motorsports, LaJoie now has the platform to not only aid their owner‘s championship aspirations but also repair and deepen his connection with the Truck Series community. How he performs and conducts himself through the remainder of the season will likely shape the outcome of this turbulent chapter and influence perceptions for seasons to come.
