"Sometimes it's just gut feel" - Spire Motorsports co-owner on decision to part ways with Corey LaJoie

Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson addressed the team's recent decision to part ways with Corey LaJoie at the end of the season. Dickerson admitted that he had been agonizing over it for months and ultimately made the call based on his "gut feeling."

LaJoie joined Spire Motorsports in 2021 as the team's first full-time driver. At 32 years old, he is the most experienced driver in their lineup, but he has failed to improve on his previous campaigns. Despite a contract extending to 2025, the team announced their decision to part ways with him.

Dickerson elaborated on the team's decision to cut ties with LoaJoie in a recent appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. The Spire Motorsports co-owner revealed that they tried to analyze potential issues hindering the struggling #7 Chevy team but couldn't identify a clear solution. Ultimately, he had to make a call based on his gut feeling.

"Sometimes it’s just kind of a gut feel. Obviously, the team had been struggling and I had been agonizing over it for a couple months. You guys have been around, I call it 'struggling team syndrome' where everything just gets analyzed to the nth degree," he stated.

Dickerson added that he's uncertain if moving on from LaJoie is the right decision but believes it is the best choice for the team's future. He added:

"And on top of that, the relationships are like deep. Corey’s a guy that was with us when we didn’t have anything. I just thought that with Ryan [Sparks] moving up and just trying to figure out what’s kind of going on, I just thought a clean slate was better for next year."

Michael McDowell is set to join the organization next season, driving the #71 Chevy. Rookie driver Carson Hocevar is under contract for the upcoming season, while Zane Smith's future with the team remains uncertain.

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Spire Motorsports co-owner comments on Corey LaJoie's replacement

Following Corey LaJoie's exit, Spire Motorsports is on the lookout for a replacement, with team co-owner Jeff Dickerson looking for a driver with a "long runaway."

Speaking on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Dickerson mentioned that the organization is searching for a driver who commands respect in the racing community. He also indicated that the team's driver announcement won't be a major headline-grabber, suggesting a more practical choice.

"In respective of all that, just looking for something or somebody that can plug in, somebody’s that’s got a bit of a long runway, somebody I don’t wanna say younger, but maybe somebody that stands on the gas, has respect of the racing community," he said (via on3.com).

"I feel like we have — most of our hires are essentially on brand. We’re just trying to make these leaps towards this. Like the [Michael] McDowell thing. Like everybody’s like, ‘well that makes sense.’ I wouldn’t expect like a huge splash. I don’t think we’re gonna get Dale Jr. to come out of retirement here," he added.

Rodney Childers was recently announced as the crew chief of the #7 Spire Motorsports Chevy for the upcoming season, making it a sought-after ride for free agents.