Corey LaJoie reflects on Michigan Truck Series overtime decision after coming agonizingly close to victory at Michigan, only to fall short following a controversial strategic choice during a dramatic three-overtime finish. The tense showdown occurred during a weekend filled with surprises and tire concerns for NASCAR, setting the stage for an emotionally charged series of races at Michigan International Speedway.
Amid growing anticipation leading up to the Cup Series’ FireKeepers Casino 400, LaJoie’s near-win in the Truck Series became a focal point for discussion, adding further drama to NASCAR’s weekend in Michigan. High-profile storylines, including unexpected entries and widespread tire issues, shaped the overall narrative as teams and drivers adapted to evolving race conditions.
LaJoie’s Critical Overtime Strategy and Its Fallout
With the finish line in sight, Corey LaJoie emerged as the leader heading into one of the race’s final overtime restarts, positioned for a long-awaited victory. However, at a decisive moment, LaJoie made the choice not to line up on the front row—a move he later identified as the race’s critical turning point.
“Man, I’ve been so close so many times that I don’t count my chickens anymore because in my case they’ve never hatched,”
—Corey LaJoie
Voicing his frustration after falling short, LaJoie described the emotional toll of missing out on victory yet again.
“But I knew we were in the right spot to be. So I’m just really frustrated.”
—Corey LaJoie
During chaotic late-race restarts, LaJoie opted for the outside lane in second position, relying on prior restart data that appeared favorable but ultimately left him with little help in the crucial moment. NASCAR analyst Bob Pockrass documented the situation, noting,
“Close to the win … Corey LaJoie held the lead for one overtime restart and winds up fifth in chaotic truck three-overtime finish. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/IZ5akcX6xg”
—Bob Pockrass, NASCAR Reporter
LaJoie lamented his fateful lane choice:
“We say all the time, winners choose the front row, and we had the chance to choose the front row and we didn’t,”
—Corey LaJoie
The outside line failed to provide the momentum he needed, and as the overtime attempts wore on, his truck’s performance slipped in turbulent air, compounded by significant tire wear. Despite earlier improvements to the truck’s setup—
“We worked on the truck wholesale and really got the thing treated up and got it okay. It still worked great,”
—Corey LaJoie—the team’s progress did not translate into victory.
LaJoie couldn’t hide his disappointment as he processed another heartbreaking finish.
“Just really frustrated when we were in that spot and we didn’t execute,”
—Corey LaJoie. Looking ahead, he acknowledged ongoing challenges:
“We’ve got some stuff to work on for these next couple of weeks.”
—Corey LaJoie
Multiple Overtime Restarts Alter the Race’s Endgame
The concluding laps saw the event extended into three overtime periods, each reshaping the competitive landscape and testing teams’ ability to adapt. LaJoie believed the first overtime attempt went their way, but a subsequent caution reshuffled the order and allowed Grant Enfinger, starting deeper in the field, to make a successful push to the front.
“I think there was four? Yeah,”
—Corey LaJoie, mid-recollection
Enfinger eventually seized the win after a strong restart, capitalizing on the chance created by the late-race chaos. LaJoie, thinking back on the outcome, admitted,
“Because he did, right, he was like fourth or fifth. And he won, and I didn’t.”
—Corey LaJoie
The finish left LaJoie confronting a familiar pattern of close calls that failed to translate into victories, his intense frustration echoing through his remarks. While the team saw real progress in their truck setup and race strategy, the missed opportunity underscores the unpredictable and high-pressure nature of NASCAR’s Truck Series, especially during multiple overtime cycles.
As LaJoie and his team look to the next stretch of races, the lessons learned in Michigan and the sting of another near-miss are likely to shape their preparations and approach. His experience offers a vivid reminder of the razor-thin margin between success and disappointment for NASCAR drivers chasing elusive wins on racing’s biggest stages.
