Corey LaJoie to Conclude Tenure with Spire Motorsports After 2024 Season
Corey LaJoie has officially announced that he will part ways with Spire Motorsports at the conclusion of the 2024 racing season. This news, first reported by Jordan Bianchi from The Athletic, has ignited discussions regarding LaJoie’s future in NASCAR. He is determined to finish his time with the team on a positive note, expressing his intention to “finish strong” in the upcoming year.
In reflecting on his experience at Spire, LaJoie conveyed a deep sense of fulfillment and excitement for what lies ahead.
“I will not be behind the wheel of the No. 7 car next year,” he stated. “I take immense pride in having played a key role in transforming Spire into a competitive presence on the circuit; however, my journey here is coming to an end.” He added: “This chapter wraps up after Phoenix, and I am eager to see what opportunities await my family and me.”
!Corey LaJoie during qualifying
Corey LaJoie prepares for qualifying at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 on July 20, 2024.
Photo Credit: James Gilbert/Getty Images
Speculations Surrounding Future Opportunities
As fans and analysts speculate about where LaJoie’s career might lead him next, Bob Pockrass from FOX Sports suggests that Kaulig Racing and Rick Ware Racing could be potential destinations due to their available positions. Kaulig Racing is expected to have two openings as Daniel Hemric may leave his seat in the No. 31 Chevrolet. Meanwhile, Rick Ware Racing continues its evolution with promising talents like Kaz Grala alongside Justin Haley.
Despite encountering performance hurdles during his time at Spire—having achieved just one top-10 finish this season and remaining winless across his 258 Cup Series starts—LaJoie’s experience and marketability within NASCAR’s premier series render him an attractive option for other teams.
Acknowledgment from Team Leadership
Jeff Dickerson, co-owner of Spire Motorsports, acknowledged how significant this decision was not only for them but also for LaJoie’s career trajectory moving forward.
“Since joining us in 2021, Corey has been instrumental in shaping Spire Motorsports,” Dickerson remarked. “It’s hard to overstate how much he has contributed to our organization; making this decision was not easy.” The anticipated changes within crew leadership signal major shifts aimed at enhancing competitiveness as they strive for improved results on track.
“Corey’s dedication was evident from day one when we had no race shop or even our own cars,” Dickerson continued. “Those early days were simpler compared to where we are now; back then it was all about getting onto the racetrack while today we focus on consistently achieving top-10 finishes and vying for victories.”
He further elaborated: “With Ryan Sparks moving into an elevated role and Rodney Childers set to join us next season, starting fresh with a new approach seems best for both Corey’s future endeavors as well as our team’s direction.” Dickerson expressed confidence in LaJoie’s abilities: “He deserves another chance elsewhere within this sport—and we’ll do everything possible to support him as he seeks new opportunities.”
