Corey LaJoie’s NASCAR career has been anything but smooth, often facing criticism for his struggles to secure competitive finishes. Despite the challenges, his perseverance earned him respect as an underdog. However, 2025 brought a major shift as he found himself without a full-time Cup Series ride. Instead of scrambling for another opportunity, LaJoie made a surprising and selfless decision that could redefine his future.
On his podcast, LaJoie opened up about stepping away from Rick Ware Racing’s No. 51 car. While the news shocked many, his reasoning made it clear—he was embracing a new opportunity in motorsports broadcasting. LaJoie secured a deal with Amazon Prime, which has been expanding its sports streaming presence, including NASCAR as part of its $7.7 billion media deal.
Excited about this next step, LaJoie explained to Rick Ware, “I’ve got this opportunity with Amazon that I’m very interested in.” He acknowledged that for years, he was determined to remain a full-time Cup driver regardless of the circumstances. However, with this new opportunity, he now had a chance to explore something different while remaining involved in the sport.
Though the details of his role with Amazon are still emerging, it is expected to include race analysis, behind-the-scenes content, and hosting duties. Given NASCAR’s growing streaming audience, LaJoie’s firsthand experience as a driver could make him a valuable addition to the network’s motorsports coverage.
After a disappointing 2024 season—where his average start and finish were below 20th—LaJoie’s career hit another setback when Spire Motorsports replaced him with Justin Haley. Faced with limited full-time options, he saw the Amazon role as a way to remain relevant in NASCAR without the grind of weekly competition.
Despite stepping away from full-time racing, LaJoie has no regrets. He expressed a strong desire to support the Ware family, particularly Cody Ware, as he continues his racing journey. He plans to stay involved with Rick Ware Racing in a mentoring role while also competing part-time. “If I’m going to do this show and be a part-time competitor, I might as well stay embedded competitively—go to their war room, watch SMT, and stay sharp,” he explained.
LaJoie’s story has always been one of resilience, overcoming the stigma of being a backmarker. His new role with Amazon could mark the beginning of a promising future in motorsports media while keeping him connected to the track.
