NASCAR Shake-Up: Corey LaJoie's future uncertain as Rick Ware Racing holds off on 2025 commitment

AUTO: JUN 01 NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 presented by TicketSmarter - Source: Getty
Corey LaJoie at the Enjoy Illinois 300 - Source: Getty

Corey LaJoie has been facing an uncertain future since the announcement of his parting ways with Spire Motorsports. LaJoie was set to leave the team he had been with for the last four years post the 2024 season. However, a unique and unconventional opportunity has now occured for the 32-year-old Cup Series driver.

Spire Motorsports and Rick Ware Racing have announced the swapping of Corey LaJoie and Justin Haley for the remainder of the 2024 season. LaJoie will drive the #51 Ford for RWR and Haley will pilot the #7 Chevy for Spire. This marks the return of the 25-year-old Haley to Spire with whom he won his first Cup Series race in his third career start at Daytona International Speedway in 2019.

However, things aren't looking pleasant for LaJoie as RWR president Robby Benton hasn't committed to any future Cup Series season plans with him as of now (via Fox Sports' Bob Pockrass).

"Rick Ware Racing's Robby Benton wouldn't commit to Corey LaJoie for beyond the rest of 2024. Said this will give them time to work with LaJoie before making a decision," Pockrass wrote on X following the announcement.

However, Rick Ware's organization has given an update on its double entry for the 2025 Daytona 500 race.


A possible ride for Corey LaJoie with Rick Ware Racing in the 2025 season

As things stand, Corey LaJoie is without a confirmed ride for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. However, the Rick Ware Racing and Spire Motorsports swap might have opened up an opportunity for the Charlotte native to finalize a ride with Rick Ware's outfit.

As reported by Bob Pockrass, RWR president Benton has confirmed that the team will have two car entries for the esteemed Daytona 500 race.

"RWR's Robby Benton confirms they will have two cars at the Daytona 500 in February," Pockrass wrote on X.

Furthermore, Benton in his statement talked about aligning goals with LaJoie in the remaining Cup Series races starting from Kansas Speedway on September 29. He said (via NBC Sports):

"Obviously, we needed a new plan to maintain the momentum we’ve gained this year, and Corey LaJoie joining RWR allows us to keep moving forward."

Benton continued:

"These seven races provide a unique and unconventional opportunity to work together now and evaluate what we may be able to accomplish together going forward. Corey wants to continue his path toward winning in the NASCAR Cup Series, and so do we. We’re like-minded in that pursuit."

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Edited by Tushar Bahl
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