Corey LaJoie joins Spire Truck Series competition in a rare late-season move, stepping in as the new driver of the No. 77 Craftsman Truck for Spire Motorsports. With only eight events left in the current season, LaJoie takes over after Andrés Pérez de Lara’s transition to the No. 44 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet for the remainder of the year.
Previously piloting the No. 7 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series, LaJoie began the 2025 season without a full-time seat in the Cup, Xfinity, or Truck Series ranks. Still under contract with Spire, he recently appeared in the Truck Series at Michigan, driving the No. 07 truck and earning an impressive fifth-place result. This return marks a new chapter for the Cup veteran as he re-engages with the series and his old team, eager for competitive runs in the final events.
Team Changes Lead to Opportunity
According to LaJoie, a reshuffle within the Spire team opened the door for him to step into the No. 77 ride and finish the season. He described how changes among team personnel and a consolidation of efforts allowed for his entry, expressing his excitement at the chance to chase checkered flags once again.
“They had a team shuffle with the 77 and it’s consolidated some efforts and some personnel,”
—Corey LaJoie, Driver
LaJoie highlighted that his continued contract with Spire played a role in his selection, explaining that it gives him a meaningful purpose and allows him to stay active behind the wheel. He has embraced the new challenge, energized by the opportunity to work with crew chief Chad Walter and the group behind the No. 77 entry.
“I think it really is, truly, they’re trying to get their money’s worth out of me. The last couple of months, they’re paying me out of the contract. So it gets me off the couch. Get me out of my, you know, blowing some leaves and raking my backyard on a Sunday afternoon or Saturdays. Nonetheless, I want to go out there and give those guys a good effort.”
—Corey LaJoie, Driver
Looking for Wins and Familiar Faces
LaJoie approaches the Truck Series’ closing stretch with a renewed outlook and targets, focusing on winning races at circuits that are personal favorites. The schedule aligns with tracks where he has a proven performance history, and the garage presents a chance to reconnect with team members and peers he values from previous years.
“There’s a lot of my favorite race tracks in the Truck Series Playoffs,”
—Corey LaJoie, Driver
“So it’ll be cool to be in that garage and see some familiar faces. It’s also cool to go back through the shop and see a lot of familiar faces. I’ve been used to being around for the last couple years, so it’s nice to see that and have those conversations. But anytime you can drive, get behind the wheel or something, especially a good truck like that, I’m ready and willing to do.”
—Corey LaJoie, Driver
For LaJoie, the chance to compete for wins in competitive equipment and to interact with colleagues makes the challenge even more appealing. With playoff races on the horizon, he sees this as an opportunity to make the most of his expanded role at Spire and deliver results.
Seasonal Perspective and Future Uncertain
The transition from a relentless Cup Series schedule has offered LaJoie a refreshing change of pace. As the host of the Stacking Pennies Podcast and a frequent motorsports analyst for outlets such as Amazon, he has gained perspective on life outside the weekly demands of racing at the top tier. This break from full-time action has been relished, though he remains open to racing if the right situation presents itself.
“It’s been a nice little change of pace this year,”
—Corey LaJoie, Driver
He acknowledged the intense mental, physical, and time commitments that come with the Cup Series. LaJoie admitted any potential full-time return would require a truly attractive scenario and the right fit, as he is no longer actively seeking to re-enter every Sunday or at any cost.
Currently, he is not pushing to return to a full-time schedule unless the circumstances and team match his goals and values. After experiencing ups and downs over the past year, he has shifted his priorities and is determined to pursue only those opportunities that make sense personally and professionally.
New Role Provides Chance to Recharge
In his present stage, LaJoie finds satisfaction balancing part-time racing with media roles and his podcast. The move to the Spire Truck Series allows him to stay involved while keeping his competitive spark alive, but without the all-encompassing demands of a full Cup campaign. Analyzing races and telling stories from the media side has also helped him appreciate different facets of NASCAR’s landscape.
“But to be able to plug and recharge the battery and kind of take the blinders off and see the sport a bit more for what it is. See it more as a media side with the podcast and analysts on Amazon; it was a lot of fun. I’m pretty content with where I’m at now.”
—Corey LaJoie, Driver/Podcast Host/Analyst
As the season winds down, Corey LaJoie’s entry into the Spire Truck Series reflects a fresh start for the experienced driver. With his focus on performance, reconnecting with colleagues such as Chad Walter, and engaging in favorite events, LaJoie looks to capitalize on his new ride in the No. 77 truck and shape the next stage of his motorsports career.
