Corey LaJoie’s path in NASCAR has taken a new direction as he transitions into broadcasting, drawing reflections from his father Randy LaJoie’s unexpected recognition in the sport. The journey of Corey LaJoie NASCAR broadcasting career intersects with the legacy of his father, whose recent accolades in stock car racing have brought both pride and new insights to the family.
Randy LaJoie’s Unexpected Hall of Fame Recognition
Randy LaJoie, once a standout competitor in the Xfinity Series, was caught off guard when NASCAR included him among the 75 Greatest Drivers, in spite of his turbulent history with the sport’s sanctioning body. The surprise comes years after a high-profile incident in June 2010, when Randy was suspended for violating the substance-abuse policy after using marijuana with fans during the Coca-Cola 600 weekend. This event led not only to a suspension from the sport, especially as he was set to work as a spotter for Joe Gibbs Racing’s Nationwide Series program, but also to a temporary halt in his analyst role with ESPN.
The recognition as one of the 75 Greatest Drivers appeared two years ago, and Randy shared his candid reaction during a RaceLine interview with Rick Benjamin:
“I really thought I pissed them off a few times. I was quite surprised… and very honored.”
—Randy LaJoie, 75 Greatest Drivers Honoree
Looking ahead, Randy LaJoie has now been named a nominee for the Class of 2026 NASCAR Hall of Fame, joining 14 other candidates such as Kurt Busch. He reflected on the magnitude of receiving a nomination:
“It’s no small task. You don’t go into it when you’re 18 because I had to wait until I’m 18 to start. I never thought I was going to be in the Hall of Fame.”
—Randy LaJoie, NASCAR Hall of Fame Nominee
He further described his experience witnessing Hall of Fame recipients as a young racer and how it feels to become part of that group:
“Growing up, you see the guys… I’m going to the racetrack. I see the black jackets and the Hall of Fame guys. I was like, ‘That guy’s an old racer. That guy’s an older racer. That guy’s an old racer.’ Now I got one of those jackets, and I’m one of those old racers,”
he added.
Randy’s professional achievements, including two Xfinity Series championships in 1996 and 1997 and 15 wins across decades, underscore the significance of his Hall of Fame consideration.
Corey LaJoie Shifts Focus to Broadcasting, Finds New Meaning
Following in his father’s footsteps as a prominent voice in stock car racing, Corey LaJoie has transitioned into television analysis, leveraging his on-track experience to deliver unique insights with Prime Video. Stepping away from full-time racing responsibilities during the 2024 season, Corey has joined other notable figures, including Carl Edwards and Danielle Trotta, in studio coverage that spans major races like the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte and The Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono.
Reflecting on his stint as a broadcaster, Corey opened up about how the change in perspective affected his outlook on his racing career:
“Before this opportunity to see the race from a TV perspective, I would feel like if I wasn’t running well, then I was letting a lot of people down. I think that I cared too much, and I would hold the outcome too tightly, as opposed to just enjoying it when I was doing it.”
—Corey LaJoie, NASCAR Broadcaster and Cup Series Driver
Corey’s transition from active competition to analyzing races on television came during a season that marked his last full-time year in the NASCAR Cup Series, competing with Spire Motorsports and moving mid-season to Rick Ware Racing. In 2024, he reduced his involvement to a limited schedule, piloting the #01 Ford for Rick Ware Racing, while further exploring opportunities in race broadcasting.
The Lasting Influence of the LaJoie Legacy in NASCAR
The combined journeys of Randy and Corey LaJoie demonstrate the evolving roles that family legacies can have in top-tier motorsports. Randy’s achievements and candidness about his career struggles create a powerful narrative for new nominees like Kurt Busch, while Corey’s willingness to embrace television offers a model for how competitors can stay connected to the NASCAR community beyond active racing.
Corey LaJoie’s recent broadcasting work not only extends his professional relevance but brings fresh perspective to fans of the NASCAR Cup Series. As the Hall of Fame induction process continues and new faces take on studio roles, the influence of established racers like the LaJoies is likely to inspire future generations both on and off the track.
