Corey LaJoie, a well-known NASCAR Cup and Truck Series driver, has explained the real inspiration behind the name of his podcast ‘Stacking Pennies,’ sharing how small achievements shaped the podcast’s identity and philosophy. The Corey LaJoie Stacking Pennies podcast origin ties directly to his personal approach in racing, focusing on incremental progress and attention to detail.
How ‘Stacking Pennies’ Became the Podcast’s Name
LaJoie opened up about the motivation for the title during a recent episode, revealing it sprang from his experiences off and on the racetrack. He described that regular, small actions, often overlooked, ultimately fueled his drive as both a competitor and a person. According to LaJoie, daily tasks and on-track decisions—usually seen as routine—became central to his outlook and the spirit behind his podcast.
He elaborated, sharing that making conscious efforts in even the smallest aspects of his profession helped boost his excitement and motivation each weekend. The inspiration captured not just his racing career but also formed the core message he intended to bring to listeners as host of the NASCAR-based show. Many prominent NASCAR co-drivers and personalities have joined him on ‘Stacking Pennies,’ illustrating how these seemingly minor focuses can lead to larger successes and career longevity.
“So there’s not very many opportunities to get externally validated for your work if you do good or bad. So we just started making lists of little mundane things. Don’t cuss on the radio. Don’t speed on pit road. Don’t hit the wall by yourself. Like little things that you think take for granted. Well, just that mind shift of trying to figure out a couple things of the weekend that I could do, that I had control of got me back excited and motivated to go figure out what the next thing was.”
—Corey LaJoie, host
LaJoie further emphasized the deeper meaning behind the podcast‘s title, making it clear that its essence is not about money but about valuing the accumulation of positive habits and small wins in racing. For him, focusing on details both behind the wheel and in the garage has been key to sustaining and extending his career in a competitive environment.
“So that turned what probably should have been about a six-month career into like a nine month a nine-year career. And we just started naming them since they were insignificant pennies. But if you stack enough of them, you ultimately get a decent showing for it. So, it’s not really monetary. It’s really about doing the details right behind the wheel and in the garage,”
LaJoie further added. (47:27 onwards) —Corey LaJoie, host
LaJoie’s Roles Across NASCAR
Today, LaJoie balances multiple responsibilities within the NASCAR realm. Alongside his duties as host, he competes part-time in the Cup Series for Rick Ware Racing, piloting the #01 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. He also races for Spire Motorsports in the Truck Series, handling the #07 and #77 Chevrolet Silverado RST entries. Beyond competition, he contributes his insight as an analyst for the NASCAR on Prime Video broadcast, underscoring his multifaceted involvement in motorsports.
Continuing to attract top NASCAR personalities, the podcast recently featured Katherine Legge, who discussed her experiences and perspectives as a visiting guest. These conversations highlight how LaJoie, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, remains deeply tied to the ongoing evolution and community of NASCAR.
A Look at Corey LaJoie’s Competitive Record
LaJoie’s statistical record provides a window into his depth of experience behind the wheel. Over his career, he has contested 275 Cup Series events, collecting 11 finishes inside the Top 10. Originating with his debut at the 2014 Sylvania 300 in New Hampshire, he has established himself as a persistent and resourceful figure in the series.
In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, LaJoie started in 22 races over four separate seasons, finding success with two Top 10 showings. His Xfinity career began at the 2014 Ford EcoBoost 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Within the Truck Series, LaJoie debuted at the 2014 UNOH 225 in Kentucky, earning two Top 10s from six total starts. Additionally, his ARCA tenure includes 44 total races, showcasing his broad engagement with various forms of stock car competition.
The Meaning Behind a Lasting Philosophy
By sharing the story behind ‘Stacking Pennies,’ LaJoie offers insight into the mindset that has carried him through years of competitive racing, as well as into his analyst and hosting work. This philosophy—rooted in paying attention to foundational tasks and collecting small wins—serves as a blueprint for success not just in motorsports but in any challenging field. For the NASCAR community and listeners, the message reinforces that persistence, detail, and motivation are often the true building blocks of a sustained and impactful career.
