Corey LaJoie NASCAR retirement talk gained momentum in 2024, as the driver’s seven-year tenure in the NASCAR Cup Series ended unexpectedly when Spire Motorsports released him mid-contract. With his future in the sport uncertain and new opportunities emerging, LaJoie is now exploring alternate ventures both within and outside racing.
End of an Era in the Cup Series
Corey LaJoie’s time in the NASCAR Cup Series concluded after Spire Motorsports made the decision to end his run early, closing a significant chapter in his career. LaJoie’s release marked the end of his full-time efforts after numerous seasons competing at the sport’s highest level. Despite this setback, he still had commitments, taking on a role in Spire’s Truck Series due to his existing contract. This period represented a shift, as LaJoie’s Cup Series appearances became limited to just four starts for Rick Ware Racing in the aftermath of his main ride.
While his influence on the racetrack diminished, LaJoie found footing in NASCAR media. He co-hosted pre- and post-race coverage for Amazon Prime Sports, adding to his public presence and suggesting a potential pivot away from active driving. As offers from major teams slowed, LaJoie began to accept that his career path in NASCAR might be turning in a new direction.
Transitioning to Media and New Ventures
LaJoie, now 33, offered candid reflections during a recent episode of the Staking Pennies podcast. He discussed his thoughts on 2026 and beyond—leaning into his growing media impact and even revealing plans to start a business in the carbon fiber industry. Although LaJoie had two top-five and four top-10 finishes in the Truck Series, he told host Skip Flores that his desire to compete there is waning.
On the podcast, LaJoie admitted,
“trucks aren’t particularly fun to drive,”
—Corey LaJoie—capturing a sense of frustration and fatigue from his recent experiences. He elaborated to Flores,
“You’re fighting a battle that is just; if you’re not doing it yourself, you deal with all the bullshit. We can’t do a new body build. Well, we can’t build it this way because GM this, and simulation that. So, if I had a really good opportunity call, then sure, I’ll entertain the conversation…”
—Corey LaJoie. These statements highlight his disillusionment with the limitations faced in organizations where control and decision-making are not in his hands.
His openness about moving on was further underscored in a recent statement attributed to him:
Corey LaJoie says he’s not planning a full-time return to the Truck Series next season, instead turning his attention to what he calls his “next chapter.” Find out more on The Daily Downforcehttps://t.co/BAVwdEhC3E pic.twitter.com/Jr3WCTfrIy
— The Daily Downforce (@dailydownforce) September 24, 2025
This indicates LaJoie’s intentions to prioritize new beginnings over extended participation in racing tiers that no longer fuel his passion.
Considering Select Opportunities and Reflecting on Achievements
While LaJoie is realistic about his prospects, he remains open to high-profile races, particularly the Daytona 500—a race he knows well and in which he’s performed strongly, including three top-10s and a top-five finish. His most notable achievement was in 2023, when he drove Spire’s No. 7 to a fourth-place finish, demonstrating he still has the skill to thrive if offered the right equipment.
Addressing the scarcity of suitable openings, LaJoie observed,
“There’s really not any [opportunities] because it is just what it is, right? You get out of them, you lose your seat. The music stops, and they plus somebody else that’s cheaper and comparable, that can do the same job,”
—Corey LaJoie. This statement reflects not only his personal journey but also the broader realities many drivers face within NASCAR’s ever-changing and highly competitive environment.
Despite his departure from championship contention and his acknowledgment of harder times, LaJoie still believes his expertise and presence could benefit a team—especially for one-off, high-reward events. His record speaks to perseverance, with 277 Cup starts and 10 top-10s, even though he never reached Victory Lane. The cutthroat nature of the sport demands immediate results, and drivers, including LaJoie, must adapt quickly or risk being replaced.
The Next Chapter for Corey LaJoie
Looking ahead, LaJoie is clear about his intentions. Diverting energy from the racetrack, he’ll focus on media commentary and the fresh business prospects awaiting him. NASCAR fans can expect to see LaJoie more often behind the microphone than the wheel, at least for the foreseeable future. Still, if a compelling Cup Series opportunity arises—especially for iconic races—LaJoie is willing to consider a comeback. For now, however, the curtain appears to be closing on Corey LaJoie’s NASCAR retirement, as he welcomes new challenges beyond the finish line. His transition highlights the evolving nature of driver careers, and NASCAR’s demand for adaptability both on and off the track.
Corey LaJoie says he’s not planning a full-time return to the Truck Series next season, instead turning his attention to what he calls his “next chapter.” Find out more on The Daily Downforcehttps://t.co/BAVwdEhC3E pic.twitter.com/Jr3WCTfrIy
— The Daily Downforce (@dailydownforce) September 24, 2025
