Corey LaJoie may have found a way to secure his place in the Cup Series for 2025, despite his recent struggles. After a four-year stint with Spire Motorsports, LaJoie and the team have decided to part ways, leaving him in search of a new opportunity. Many believed that given his track record and recent mishaps, his time in the Cup Series might be over. Some reports even suggested that LaJoie might have to drop down to the Xfinity or Truck Series due to a lack of options.
However, according to an update from well-known NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass, LaJoie has managed to secure a ride for 2025. Pockrass shared that LaJoie will be joining Rick Ware Racing (RWR) in what appears to be a swap deal with Justin Haley, who will return to Spire Motorsports.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Pockrass announced that both Rick Ware Racing and Spire Motorsports had scheduled a news conference to make this deal official. He suggested that the swap of LaJoie and Haley would be discussed as part of their plans for the 2025 season. This move marks a significant shift for both drivers, particularly Haley, who is regarded as a talented competitor but has struggled after switching from Chevrolet to Ford at RWR.
The news of LaJoie’s continued presence in the Cup Series came as a surprise to many fans. While Haley is seen as a promising driver, having won a NASCAR Cup race with Spire Motorsports in 2019, LaJoie has yet to claim a Cup victory. Given Haley’s potential, it’s likely that Spire Motorsports had to offer RWR a substantial deal to secure his return. One fan expressed sympathy for RWR, wondering how much Spire Motorsports offered to land Haley, considering he was likely their best driver in recent years.
On the other hand, LaJoie’s performance in the Cup Series has been rocky. This season alone, he’s been involved in multiple crashes, including two incidents with Kyle Busch and a dramatic wreck at Daytona that left him upside down. His average finish of 22.571 hasn’t inspired much confidence, with some fans questioning whether he truly belongs in the Cup Series. One even called his continued presence in the series “insanity.”
The 2024 silly season has been fast-tracked by the exit of Stewart-Haas Racing, and it seems like Spire Motorsports is making moves to ensure they don’t miss out on a good deal. Spire Motorsports views the #7 team as their flagship operation. They brought in veteran crew chief Rodney Childress, and with sponsorship from Gainbridge, they were clearly aiming to secure a strong driver to lead their team into the future. Justin Haley, who has history with Spire, fits the role well and is seen as a good choice to spearhead the team in 2025.
Fans reacted to the news with mixed emotions, especially since the deal could happen before the end of this season. One user on X commented on the shift, saying it was a major win for Spire Motorsports but a big loss for RWR. Spire is clearly positioning themselves for the future, while RWR’s decision to swap Haley for LaJoie has raised eyebrows.
There are even rumors circulating that Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) might have an interest in Haley. Some speculate that HMS has signed five drivers for 2025, and that Haley is the fifth. Should Alex Bowman fail to perform next year, Haley could potentially take his spot. As one fan noted, this move to Spire might just be a stepping stone for Haley until a seat opens up at HMS.
As we look ahead to the 2025 season, the big question remains: did Rick Ware Racing make the right call by trading a young, promising driver like Justin Haley for Corey LaJoie? Fans will be eager to see how these two drivers perform next year if this swap deal goes through. It’s a decision that could have lasting implications for both teams.
Bob Pockrass Teases Corey LaJoie’s Cup Series Revival with Rick Ware Racing, Leaving Fans in Shock
