Corey LaJoie’s NASCAR future is now surrounded by uncertainty, as the seasoned driver faces a major crossroads in his racing career. After being released early from his Cup Series contract with Spire Motorsports, LaJoie has openly addressed the shifting landscape and his own difficult choices about what comes next, reflecting a sentiment shared by many drivers in today’s NASCAR.
Facing Sudden Changes After Spire Motorsports Release
LaJoie’s reputation as a determined competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series, which began with his debut in 2017, has always been defined by resilience and a gritty drive. However, that journey hit a stark turning point when Spire Motorsports ended his contract a year earlier than planned. Now, LaJoie finds himself in a unique situation—still contractually tied to Spire and slated to drive their truck later this year, yet his focus and passion appear to be evolving beyond that commitment. On his podcast, Stacking Pennies, LaJoie shared candid reflections, revealing that he is confronting a reality that affects not only himself but a larger group of seasoned NASCAR drivers.
Considering One-Off Cup Appearances and Letting Go of Old Passions
Despite the professional setback, LaJoie continues to explore possible opportunities. His years of persistence have led him to consider select high-profile appearances, particularly the Daytona 500, where he feels he could still make a significant impact under the right circumstances.
“I’ll entertain Daytona 500 offers because I think I can compete for a win in a decent car there,”
he stated, noting the unique potential to both race competitively and secure a financial windfall during one event. He clarified this is rooted in practical consideration, explaining the competition and sense of accomplishment at Daytona, alongside the opportunity to earn in a single week what might otherwise take a year.
However, when it comes to remaining in the NASCAR Truck Series full-time, LaJoie’s enthusiasm has noticeably declined.
“Trucks aren’t particularly fun to drive,”
he admitted, showing clear frustration with the current environment and the behind-the-scenes struggles drivers face.
“But yeah, like Truck Series offers, I’m not entertaining. He described the feeling as ‘smashing my head up against the wall, metaphorically.’”
LaJoie’s blunt honesty highlights the complex mix of passion and weariness felt by veterans navigating NASCAR’s ever-changing politics and economics.
Barriers to Securing a Top-Level Ride
Still holding onto the dream of racing full-time in the Cup Series, LaJoie acknowledges the shrinking number of opportunities for drivers in his position. The competition is intense, and NASCAR’s economic realities mean that veteran talent can easily be replaced.
“You get out of them, you lose your seat. The music stops, and they plug somebody else that’s cheaper and comparable, that can do the same job,”
he observed. This frank admission from LaJoie underscores a climate in which experience alone is not always enough—it’s now about economics as much as skill, a situation affecting more and more experienced racers as team owners increasingly look for cost-effective options.
Exploring New Horizons in Broadcasting and Business
With full-time driving offers lacking, Corey LaJoie is not merely waiting for the next call; he’s actively forging new paths. He has recently embraced an on-camera role, joining Amazon Prime Sports as a pre- and post-race analyst, noting that this fresh challenge brings him genuine enjoyment. Outside the broadcast booth, LaJoie is eyeing entrepreneurship, with plans to start his own carbon fiber business—an enterprise that allows him to remain closely connected to motorsports, albeit from a new vantage point.
He remains open to the possibility of a standout racing opportunity resurfacing.
“If I had a really good opportunity call, then sure, I’ll entertain the conversation,”
LaJoie said, recognizing that he will always entertain the idea of returning to the track if the conditions are right.
“But there’s like 10 other things that I could be doing right now to start what the next chapter looks like, and I think I’m going to start focusing on that.”
His readiness to consider both racing and non-racing ventures highlights a pragmatic approach, shaped by years of battling in one of motorsport’s toughest arenas.
Redefining Success Away from the Driver’s Seat
Corey LaJoie’s current crossroads encapsulates the growing tension many NASCAR drivers face as the sport changes. Forced to reevaluate his options, LaJoie is harnessing the determination that made him a mainstay in the Cup Series to create new opportunities beyond the car. Whether he gets another shot at greatness in events like the Daytona 500, makes his mark in broadcast media, or builds a new business from the ground up, LaJoie is redefining what it means to be successful in a sport where the only certainty is change. The Corey LaJoie NASCAR future may not be written yet, but his commitment to adapt and thrive remains unquestioned.
