Change at Spire Motorsports: Corey LaJoie to be Replaced in 2025
The air of change has finally descended upon Corey LaJoie at Spire Motorsports. On July 25, The Athletic confirmed that LaJoie would be replaced in 2025, marking the end of a three-year winless partnership. This decision signifies a major shift in direction for the team, spearheaded by owners TJ Puchyr and Jeff Dickerson, who appear to be pushing for drastic changes next season. This includes the recent hiring of Rodney Childers as the future crew chief for their #7 Chevrolet. With LaJoie’s departure, the pressing question now facing the organization is who will take the wheel of the car tuned by Childers and his team in 2025.
Potential Candidates for the #7 Seat
Kyle Busch
Kyle Busch, currently contracted with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) through next year, has been linked to Spire Motorsports. Although the odds of seeing Busch in the #7 car are slim, a switch in 2025 under the guidance of Rodney Childers could be the fresh start his career needs. Despite a challenging season with the #8 team, Busch’s connection with Spire Motorsports is strong. He sold the operations of his two-time Truck Series championship-winning race team, Kyle Busch Motorsports, to Spire late last year in a seven-figure deal. Ironically, Busch isn’t completely winless this season thanks to Spire’s rotational #7 Chevy Silverado, which he drove to victory in two out of its three wins in the 2024 Craftsman Truck Series.
The possibility of Busch joining Spire Motorsports is intriguing. A few weeks ago, Busch was involved in a controversial incident with LaJoie at Pocono, leading to widespread backlash. Busch expressed his frustrations on Pat McAfee’s show, highlighting the tension between the two drivers. While it’s a sorrowful thought for LaJoie, having a former two-time Cup champion like Busch join Spire could elevate the team’s performance and provide a much-needed boost to Busch’s career.
Rajah Caruth
Rajah Caruth is another potential candidate for the #7 seat. Caruth, who secured Spire’s third Truck Series win earlier this year in Las Vegas, is a highly touted prospect. At 21, he became only the third African-American NASCAR driver to win a race in the top-three National Touring Series. Rick Hendrick and his team have shown interest in Caruth for some time. Last year, Caruth made his debut in Hendrick Motorsports’ #17 Xfinity Camaro at the championship finale in Phoenix. This year, the Hendrick Automotive Group is backing him for all 23 races of the Truck Series. Caruth’s strong performance, currently sitting fifth in the points table with seven races left, has only increased Hendrick’s interest.
However, some argue that Caruth isn’t quite ready for the Cup Series. At 21, he still has much to prove before claiming a full-time Cup driver position. Nonetheless, if Hendrick Motorsports decides to push him to the premier tier, Spire’s #7 car could serve as an excellent platform for him to gain experience.
Justin Haley
Justin Haley, currently driving for Rick Ware Racing, has a history with Spire Motorsports. Haley won Spire’s first-ever Cup race in 2019, a victory that remains a highlight of his career. Despite his young age at the time, Haley’s win in the Coke Zero 400 showcased his potential. However, their association was short-lived, as Haley’s rookie season in 2021 was with Kaulig Racing, another team actively seeking drivers for the 2025 season. This complicates the possibility of Haley returning to Spire.
Bob Pockrass of FOX recently noted that Haley’s performance has attracted interest from other teams, but Haley stated he plans to remain with Rick Ware Racing. Despite this, the news of LaJoie’s departure has rekindled speculation about Haley’s potential return to Spire, given his past relationship with the team.
Sam Mayer
Sam Mayer, a 21-year-old driver from Wisconsin, currently competes in the 2024 Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports. Mayer has had a strong season, with two wins and five additional top-five finishes. Recent rumors suggest Mayer could be a candidate for seats at either Kaulig Racing or Front Row Motorsports, which recently acquired a third charter from Stewart-Haas Racing. However, Mayer’s connection to Spire Motorsports is also under consideration.
Bob Pockrass highlighted that Mayer brings financial backing through his father’s company, QPS Employment Group, which sponsors him full-time in the Xfinity Series. This sponsorship could play a significant role in securing Mayer a Cup ride. The allure of new sponsorship could make Mayer an attractive option for Spire Motorsports.
Christian Eckes
Christian Eckes, a former Kyle Busch Motorsports driver, is currently leading the Truck Series points table with three wins this season. At 23, Eckes has shown championship potential, winning the 2019 ARCA Menards Series and excelling throughout the 2024 season with McAnally-Hilgemann’s #19 Chevy Silverado. Many believe Eckes is ready for the Cup Series, having been a developmental driver for JR Motorsports and Toyota.
While it’s uncertain if Eckes will join Chevrolet with Spire Motorsports, his talent makes him a strong contender. Pockrass mentioned that Eckes has considered running a full-time season with Kaulig Racing. Other sources suggest Eckes might debut in the Xfinity Series with Kaulig next year, but for now, this remains speculation.
Ryan Preece
Ryan Preece, currently driving the #41 for Stewart-Haas Racing, is another potential candidate. Preece has yet to sign with a team for 2025, unlike his teammates who have already secured seats for the next season. With Noah Gragson moving to Front Row, Chase Briscoe replacing Martin Truex Jr. at Joe Gibbs Racing, and Josh Berry driving for Wood Brothers Racing, Preece finds himself in a precarious position.
Amid these developments, Preece could be a valuable addition to Spire Motorsports. The team, which will be missing LaJoie’s presence, could benefit from Preece’s experience and steadying influence. Preece has also been linked to Kaulig Racing’s #16 car, but the #7 seat at Spire might offer a better opportunity for both parties. Spire’s other drivers, Carson Hocevar and Zane Smith, are both under 25 and have shown great potential. Adding a seasoned driver like Preece could help the young talents elevate their performance.
As Spire Motorsports prepares for significant changes in 2025, the search for a new driver to replace Corey LaJoie in the #7 car is underway. With Rodney Childers joining as the new crew chief, the team is poised for a fresh start. Whether it’s a veteran like Kyle Busch or Ryan Preece, a promising talent like Rajah Caruth, Justin Haley, Sam Mayer, or Christian Eckes, the decision will shape the future of Spire Motorsports. The team’s ability to blend experience with emerging talent will be crucial in their quest for success in the upcoming season.
