Corey LaJoie, a NASCAR Cup Series driver currently sitting in 28th place in the standings, will be leaving Spire Motorsports No. 7 car after the 2024 season. LaJoie, who joined Spire in 2021, has announced that he will not be returning to the team next year. Despite being under contract with Spire for the upcoming season, LaJoie has confirmed his departure in a statement to FOX Sports, with the news first reported by The Athletic.
In his statement, LaJoie expressed his gratitude for being a part of building Spire into a respected team on the grid. However, he acknowledged that his future in the team is coming to an end. LaJoie remains committed to finishing the 2024 season strong and delivering results for his partners, team members, family, fans, and friends who have supported him throughout his career in the Cup Series. His journey with Spire will officially conclude after the Phoenix race, and he looks forward to what the future holds for his family.
Throughout his career, LaJoie has accumulated 258 Cup starts since 2017, achieving a best finish of 25th in the standings in 2023. Despite his strong performance in 2023 with an average finish of 20.8, LaJoie has struggled this year, currently holding the 28th position in the standings with an average finish of 22.7. His time with Spire since 2021 marked a significant chapter in his career as the team’s first full-time driver.
Looking ahead to the next season, Spire has already announced the hiring of Rodney Childers from Stewart-Haas Racing as the crew chief for the car. Additionally, Spire will transition into a three-car operation, with Michael McDowell taking over the No. 71 car and Carson Hocevar remaining in the No. 77 car.
Bob Pockrass, a NASCAR reporter for FOX Sports, has been covering motorsports for decades and has extensive experience in the field. His coverage includes over 30 Daytona 500 races, and he has worked with various media outlets such as ESPN, Sporting News, NASCAR Scene magazine, and The (Daytona Beach) News-Journal. Followers can stay updated on NASCAR Cup Series news and games by following their favorite drivers and teams for the latest updates.