Corey LaJoie has announced that his time with Spire Motorsports will end at the end of the 2024 season. Revealed by Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic on Thursday, LaJoie’s exit has sparked speculation about his next move to NASCAR. His departure comes with a commitment to end his tenure on a positive note, as he aims to “finish the remainder of 2024 strong,” according to his statement.
Reflecting on his time in Spire, LaJoie expressed a deep sense of accomplishment and anticipation for his future.
“I won’t be driving car 7 next year.
“I’m very pleased to have helped make Spire a respectable team on the grid, but unfortunately I won’t be involved in the future,” he said. LaJoie continued: “This chapter ends after Phoenix and I’m looking forward to what the Lord has in store for my family.”
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As the racing community ponders what direction LaJoie will take in his career, FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass points to Kaulig Racing and Rick Ware Racing as likely next steps, given their open spots. Kaulig Racing, known for its dynamic nature, figures to have two open spots with Daniel Hemric potentially parting ways with the No. 31 Chevrolet, while Rick Ware Racing continues to evolve with talents like Kaz Grala and a consistently impressive Justin Haley.
Despite performance challenges throughout his tenure with Spire, having only one top-10 finish in the current season and having no wins in his 258 Cup Series starts, LaJoie’s marketability and experience in NASCAR’s elite series make him an attractive candidate for other teams.
Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson confirmed the seriousness of their decision not to renew LaJoie’s contract, emphasizing the driver’s fundamental role in the team’s development.
“Corey LaJoie has been a cornerstone of Spire Motorsports since 2021 and it would be impossible to overstate what he has meant to this organization and how much I agonized over this decision,” Dickerson noted. The impending crew chief changes and a reset also hint at significant transformations within the team as it looks to greater competitive success. “Corey put his heart and soul into this team. He rolled up his sleeves and got to work before we had a race shop, a toolbox or even our own cars. Those days, looking back, were so much simpler than where we are in our journey today. Back then, we just wanted to get to the track. Now, we are consumed with the constant battle for top-10s and the fight for wins in the near future.”
He continued:
“With Ryan [Sparks] moving upstairs, and Rodney [Childers] “Going into next season, the best thing for Spire Motorsports is to start fresh with the No. 7 car in 2025,” Dickerson said. “Corey also deserves a fresh look from another organization, and we’ll do everything we can to help him get another opportunity in the Cup garage. I believe in Corey and his ability to succeed in this sport and look forward to him using this as motivation to prove all of his doubters wrong.”
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