Corey LaJoie, carrying the torch for one of NASCAR’s most respected racing families, is preparing to launch a museum honoring his heritage, looking to establish a legacy rivaling that of Richard Petty’s NASCAR legacy museum. Announced in Norwalk, Connecticut, the venture signals the LaJoie family’s ambition to cement their place in motorsport history by creating a destination for fans and future racers alike.
Racing Roots: The LaJoie Family’s Enduring Legacy
The LaJoie name has been part of the racing conversation for almost a century, beginning with Don LaJoie, who established Don LaJoie Auto Wrecking in Fairfield County in 1933. What started as a recycling business gradually developed into a vital part of the local community, evolving from rags and paper to processing vehicles and metal for area businesses and municipalities. This commitment to progress set the stage for the family’s deep association with motorsport.
Randy LaJoie advanced the family’s profile by clinching back-to-back NASCAR Xfinity Series championships in 1996 and 1997, adding a competitive edge to the LaJoie legacy. Today, Corey LaJoie takes up the mantle, racing in the NASCAR Cup Series as a part-time driver of the No. 01 ford/”>Ford, while upholding the tradition of innovation and resilience. The LaJoies’ vision, however, stretches beyond the checkered flag—they are determined to move their family story from the racetrack into history books.
A New Landmark for Racing Enthusiasts
The proposed LaJoie family museum seeks to encapsulate decades of achievement and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines their journey. Among its planned exhibits will be artifacts from Randy LaJoie’s two championship runs, highlighting his pivotal years in NASCAR’s second-tier series, as well as Corey’s own career milestones, including his 6th-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2023. The initiative borrows inspiration from Richard Petty’s famed museum, relocated to Level Cross, North Carolina, which is celebrated as both a shrine and a living memory of Petty’s impact on the sport.
This new project aims to chronicle the LaJoie family’s evolution, from Don’s early entrepreneurial days to the current generation’s achievements on and off the track. “It’s about telling our story,” Corey LaJoie has said, highlighting his goal to inspire others and preserve the narrative for future generations of race fans and aspiring drivers. Their plan underlines the idea that a museum should be more than a collection of memorabilia—it ought to serve as a gateway for inspiration and education.
With its roots deeply planted in Norwalk, the museum will also reflect the family’s longstanding business presence in the community. The planned facility will be housed on a 3.58-acre property that currently supports storage, recycling operations, and an auto crusher. The first floor is set to showcase the racing memorabilia, host the LaJoie collection, and combine racing history with the family’s ongoing business activities, such as materials handling, welding, and maintenance. Additional administrative offices and meeting spaces are intended for the second floor, blending operational practicality with the celebration of racing heritage.
Richard Petty’s facility stands as a benchmark in this field, drawing visitors partly because fans can walk the historic grounds where the Petty dynasty rose to prominence. The LaJoie museum, positioned within reach of key East Coast markets, aspires to become a similarly significant pilgrimage site for racing fans. If realized, this approach may ensure that the LaJoie legacy endures in the broader annals of NASCAR history, with Norwalk joining North Carolina as a cornerstone of automotive storytelling.
Expanding Beyond the Track: Media Ventures and Personal Branding
Corey LaJoie’s quest for a lasting imprint on the sport is not limited to hardware and history. In 2025, he broadened his influence by joining Prime Video as a NASCAR analyst, lending his candid insights and engaging commentary to a wider national audience. LaJoie co-anchored five Cup Series broadcasts, including the iconic Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway during Memorial Day Weekend, transitioning into broadcasting following his departure from a full-time driving stint at Spire Motorsports.
Alongside fellow analyst Carl Edwards, LaJoie helped create innovative segments, such as the “burnout rating” system, and enjoyed post-race moments like sharing beers with the winner, deepening his connection with both fans and drivers. His media engagements do not end with on-screen analysis. LaJoie is also the host of the popular Stacking Pennies podcast, launched in early 2021, which has been embraced for its unfiltered perspective on motorsports culture, behind-the-scenes stories, and insightful interviews. Legends of the sport—including Richard Petty—have appeared on the show, enriching the content for racing enthusiasts and solidifying LaJoie’s growing presence in the media landscape.
Despite challenges on the track—including two DNFs in four Cup Series starts during the ongoing season—LaJoie is far from stepping back from competition. He remains at the wheel for up to eight Truck Series races with Spire Motorsports, already securing a top-five finish in Michigan. As his year unfolds, anticipation builds around whether Corey can still find his way to victory lane or make further headlines away from racing.
The Legacy Contest: Can LaJoie’s Museum Rival Petty’s Impact?
Richard Petty stands as the gold standard when it comes to NASCAR legacy museums. His facility not only showcases his own storied achievements but has grown into a landmark that captures the spirit and culture of generations of racers. The Petty museum’s authentic setting, linked to two Hall of Fame members, allows fans to immerse themselves in the atmosphere where legends were made. The enduring draw of this destination underscores the resonance of well-curated history and personal storytelling in motorsports culture.
The LaJoie initiative is poised to take a similar path, seeking to transform the family’s Norwalk property into both a tribute and an active center for racing enthusiasts. With its blend of personal artifacts, operational context, and accessibility for fans along the busy East Coast corridor, the museum could one day emerge as a fixture in the racing community, reinforcing the LaJoie name for the next century. Whether it can ultimately match the legendary influence of Richard Petty’s museum will be seen in the years to come, as new visitors pass through its doors and shape its place among the sport’s finest memorials.
Looking Forward: The Road Ahead for the LaJoie Family
The proposed Richard Petty NASCAR legacy museum by the LaJoie family is set to offer fans, historians, and young drivers a fresh vantage point on racing history, blending the tale of generations with a vision for the future. As Corey LaJoie and his family prepare to welcome visitors, all eyes in the motorsports world will be watching to see how this bold endeavor reshapes their family’s legacy. If successful, the museum will not only honor past champions but also serve as an inspiration for those yet to dream of crossing the finish line first.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Richard Petty wear sunglasses all the time?
A. I’ve always worn sunglasses because my eyes are sensitive to light. When my son Kyle Petty opened a store called “Kyle Petty Boot Barn” to sell boots, I began wearing cowboy boots.
Q. Why is Richard Petty always wearing sunglasses?
A. Petty mentioned that his sunglasses are his “security blanket.” He feels more confident to act and speak freely while wearing them.
He likely wears sunglasses for more than just confidence. It’s possible he has sensitive eyes that react strongly to sunlight.
