Corey LaJoie, a notable name in stock car racing, recently addressed the difficulties he encountered during his abrupt departure from Spire Motorsports in 2024, a major Corey LaJoie NASCAR career setback that brought both professional and personal challenges. LaJoie spoke candidly about these struggles in a feature interview, reflecting on how he navigated career adversity and found new pathways in motorsports.
Tracing Corey LaJoie’s NASCAR Journey
LaJoie’s NASCAR Cup Series debut dates back to 2014, when he took the wheel for Randy Humphrey Racing for two races in the #77 Ford. Over the next several years, he switched teams and eventually secured a full-time seat with Go Fas Racing in 2019. In 2021, LaJoie joined Spire Motorsports, where he remained until his exit in 2024. Throughout that time, he worked tirelessly to improve both his performance and the team’s results, but 2024 proved especially challenging on and off the track.
During his interview, LaJoie described the immense dissatisfaction and frustration he felt as the 2024 season unfolded, facing repeated setbacks despite his dedication. He emphasized the impact of lacking cohesion within his team and the toll it took on his morale and mental health:
“I feel like I was the least happy I’ve ever been (in 2024) when no matter how much work you can put towards trying to make yourself better, the results don’t complement it because there’s people not pulling the rope collectively. And that is when the stress and anxiety and all that stuff builds up because no matter how hard you work, the deeper the hole gets, and then the results don’t follow, then it just spirals out and you lose self-confidence. And this is just like the death spiral for a racecar driver.”
Corey LaJoie, former Spire Motorsports driver
Moving Forward After Professional Disappointment
LaJoie acknowledged that leaving Spire Motorsports felt like a significant blow, prompting a period of reflection and emotional recovery. As he processed the change, he revealed he had passed through most stages of grief associated with the setback:
“You know the five stages of grief. I feel like I’m in the last stage of that now.”
Corey LaJoie, former Spire Motorsports driver
Despite the difficulties in 2024, LaJoie soon discovered that his journey in NASCAR was far from over. He took on a new challenge as an analyst for Amazon Prime’s NASCAR coverage, expanding his presence in the sport. Alongside broadcasting, he continued hosting the Stacking Pennies podcast and remained active as a part-time competitor in both the Cup and Truck Series.
Pursuing a Return to Full-Time Racing
In May 2025, as anticipation built for his debut in the CARS Tour, LaJoie granted an interview to FrontStretch Media, sharing his thoughts on potentially returning as a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver. After transitioning from Spire Motorsports, he joined Rick Ware Racing for the 2025 season, where he drove the #01 Ford Mustang Dark Horse on several occasions and posted a notable finish at the Daytona 500, taking 22nd place.
Yet, as LaJoie considered a full-time comeback, he emphasized the importance of joining a team with strong potential. He looked to the CARS Tour as an opportunity to prove his readiness and was open about his approach to future opportunities:
“Hopefully we get this thing to turn in a 40-acre field. But you know, I’ve got connections on Sunday, but it’s got to be with the right group.” [01:45 onwards]
Corey LaJoie, NASCAR Cup Series driver
“At the end of the day, whether you’re late model racing or Cup racing, you got to be with the right group at the right time. Beyond that, man, you’re just along for the ride. So you got to surround yourself with good people. And if those opportunities come up, great. If not, then I’ll just keep hanging out with my kiddos,” LaJoie concluded.
Corey LaJoie, NASCAR Cup Series driver
Reflecting on Recent Results and Future Ambitions
In the 2025 Craftsman Truck Series, LaJoie finished 24th overall, collecting 282 points. He delivered several strong performances, securing seven top-ten finishes and three top fives from nine starts, with an average finish of 9.444. His current trajectory demonstrates both resilience and an ongoing drive to find renewed success, whether in a full-time role or through selective, strategic racing engagements.
LaJoie’s openness about setbacks and perseverance underscores the competitive and emotional realities many drivers face in high-level motorsports. As he remains involved as a driver, analyst, and podcast host, Corey LaJoie’s story reminds NASCAR fans and aspiring racers alike of the persistence required to rebound from adversity and the critical importance of being surrounded by supportive teams and connections.
