Corey LaJoie's Cup future under "potential" reconsideration amid his expected involvement in Rick Ware Racing and Spire Motorsports presser

NASCAR driver Corey LaJoie's future in the sport has been uncertain following the announcement of his exit from Spire. However, a NASCAR insider recently offered insights into potential developments.

During the Olympic break, Spire Motorsports revealed they would be parting ways with the 32-year-old, who currently drives the #7 Chevrolet. LaJoie, a third-generation racer, has struggled this season, finishing outside the top ten in all 23 races he’s started, marking a disappointing stint with the team.

Fox Sports' reputed NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass recently hinted at LaJoi's future in the sport.

"Rick Ware Racing and Spire have set a 1:30p ET news conference today. Would expect that to involve Corey LaJoie and Justin Haley and a possible swap of rides after this weekend with their potential moves for 2025," Pockrass wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

While it was initially speculated that LaJoie and Spire Motorsports would part ways at the end of the season, Pockrass's post suggests it might turn into a swap deal involving Justin Haley, who currently drives the #51 Ford for Rick Ware Racing. This could keep LaJoie in the Cup Series, avoiding a potential move to the Xfinity or Truck Series.

Despite a challenging season overall, LaJoie recently secured a top-ten finish at Watkins Glen during the Go Bowling at The Glen playoff race. As the NASCAR Cup Series prepares for the Bristol Night Race, he currently sits in P28 in the driver standings. His potential replacement, Haley, is 15 points behind in P32.

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"There's really no excuse for that": Corey LaJoie reflects on Watkins Glen race, acknowledges his mistake

Corey LaJoie's performance in the playoff race at Watkins Glen showed promise and skill. However, his involvement in a multi-car accident on the first lap of the Go Bowling at the Glen race cast a shadow over his otherwise strong showing.

LaJoie started the race in P18, while two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch was five places ahead of him in P13. As the field drove through the bus stop turn, the former made contact with RCR's #8 Chevy, causing multiple wrecks. Reigning champion Ryan Blaney suffered the most significant damage, as his #12 Ford had to be towed into the pits.

In a recent episode of the Stacking Pennies podcast, LaJoie admitted his error and provided additional details about the lap one incident at Watkins Glen (via X).

"I wanted to give the #8 room there off the wall to want to crowd them and then I ended up coming into his left rear there. There's really no excuse for that. My only intention the first lap was to get singled out and not ruin anybody's day and then that's the exact opposite what happened," he said.

"There's a magnet. for the #7 and the #8 car unfortunately. And he's had the short in a stick, so I'm just waiting on, pay back," he added.

RFK Racing's Chris Buescher drove down victory lane at Watkins Glen International after a fierce battle with road course expert Shane van Gisbergen, marking his first race win of the 2024 season.