Corey LaJoie, once a rising star in motorsports, has shifted gears from racing to offering insight as an analyst for NASCAR on Prime Video. After hopes for a full-time NASCAR Cup ride faded, he pieced together limited opportunities: four races behind the wheel of Rick Ware Racing’s No. 01 Ford Mustang and nine appearances in Spire Motorsports entries during the Craftsman Truck Series season. Corey LaJoie racing struggles have now shaped a new chapter in his career.
Strong Results in Truck Series, Cup Challenges Remain
While LaJoie’s runs in the Truck Series showed promise—with three finishes inside the top five and seven among the top ten—his time in the Cup Series was more challenging. His best Cup finish in those four entries was 22nd at the Daytona 500, a performance that fell short of placing him firmly among the sport’s consistent contenders.
Early Promise and Rivalries with Future Stars
LaJoie’s days as a prospect in the ARCA Menards Series and the K&N Pro Series were filled with victories and close battles. He notched three ARCA wins in just seven starts and collected six wins in 37 K&N races between 2009 and 2016, going wheel-to-wheel with competitors who are now top names in NASCAR. He frequently lined up against drivers such as Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Bubba Wallace, and Daniel Hemric—athletes who would eventually rise to become some of the sport’s most recognized headliners.
The Unseen Obstacles: Funding and Opportunities
Reflecting on his journey, LaJoie became candid about his career stalling, especially when comparing his progress to that of his early rivals.
“I haven’t had enough people do research to realize I used to be good and win races and be good a couple years ago,”
Corey LaJoie, Driver
While he raced side by side with future NASCAR stars, results depended not just on skill but on backing from major organizations.
“I raced with them wheel to wheel, and sometimes they beat me, but a lot of times I beat them.”
Corey LaJoie, Driver
The difference emerged when advancement began to depend on sponsorship and financial support, a resource LaJoie often lacked. Without connections to powerhouse teams like Hendrick Motorsports, Penske, or Ganassi, his options became scarce.
“I had to jump in whatever car I had because I didn’t have a Hendrick deal, or a Penske deal, or a Ganassi deal, any sort of deal that gets me in a good car and around a good group of people,”
Corey LaJoie, Driver
His career turned into a series of short-term rides, preventing him from consistently demonstrating his maximum potential. Maturity and experience factored in as well, but LaJoie pointed out the scarcity of assistance he received in those crucial moments.
“No one wanted to help me out at that time.”
Corey LaJoie, Driver
Lessons in Humility and Perspective
LaJoie is frank about how these setbacks affected him personally and professionally, noting that the challenges humbled him deeply.
“a couple rungs in the humility department,”
Corey LaJoie, Driver
Despite these hardships, he now considers the setbacks necessary for his own perspective and growth. LaJoie believes that if he had enjoyed seamless upward mobility, he might not hold the same appreciation for each current opportunity. The struggles have shaped a resilience that he credits as vital to his character today.
Redefining Success Beyond the Leaderboard
Though his career hasn’t mirrored those of his peers—many of whom accumulated wins and top-tens in both Cup and Truck outings—LaJoie insists the difficult journey has been both formative and essential. As he continues to adapt, whether in the analyst’s booth or in select driving opportunities, his determination to find meaning and satisfaction in each role remains undiminished.
Looking forward, the story of Corey LaJoie racing struggles underscores the unpredictable path many drivers face, illuminating the broader realities behind motorsports success and the enduring significance of resilience, growth, and hard-won perspective.
