Corey LaJoie has just found a way to keep himself in the NASCAR Cup Series for the 2025 season, despite what many thought would be the end of his Cup-level career. After a four-year partnership, LaJoie and Spire Motorsports mutually decided to part ways, leaving him searching for new opportunities. With a series of mishaps and crashes in recent races, the general expectation was that LaJoie might be heading to a lower tier like the Xfinity or Truck Series, as top-tier offers seemed unlikely.
Rumors swirled that his Cup Series days were numbered, but recent reports suggest otherwise. NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass recently shared an update revealing that LaJoie has secured a new ride for 2025 with Rick Ware Racing (RWR). According to reports, this deal appears to be a driver swap between LaJoie and Justin Haley, signaling an unexpected turn in this year’s “silly season” of driver moves.
Pockrass’s post on X (formerly Twitter) stated, “Rick Ware Racing and Spire Motorsports have scheduled a 1:30 PM ET press conference today. It’s expected to involve Corey LaJoie and Justin Haley, hinting at a possible ride swap after this weekend with both drivers potentially moving for the 2025 season.”
Justin Haley, a talented young driver with a Cup Series win under his belt, seemed poised for a bright future after his breakout victory with Spire Motorsports in 2019. However, a switch from Chevrolet to Ford at Rick Ware Racing has not gone as planned for him, and many believed Haley was on the lookout for a better opportunity during the silly season. With recent developments, it seems he is heading back to Spire, the team where he previously found success.
This news has taken fans by surprise, especially since many thought LaJoie was on the brink of leaving the Cup Series altogether. A mid-season driver swap wasn’t something fans saw coming, adding a new layer of intrigue to this year’s NASCAR drama.
**Corey LaJoie’s Unexpected Return to the Cup Series**
When comparing LaJoie and Haley’s performances on the track, Haley clearly has the upper hand. He’s already secured a Cup Series win and is seen as a rising star in NASCAR. Meanwhile, LaJoie has yet to claim his first victory, and his record has been marred by several wrecks this season. LaJoie’s average finish is 22.571, and he’s been involved in multiple crashes, including two incidents with Kyle Busch and a wild wreck at Daytona that left his car flipped upside down.
For many fans, LaJoie’s recent track record raised doubts about his future in the Cup Series. As one fan put it, “Corey LaJoie still being in the Cup Series is insanity.” Despite these concerns, LaJoie’s persistence and ability to secure a deal with Rick Ware Racing have kept him in the game.
Justin Haley, on the other hand, was considered one of RWR’s brightest talents. His departure from the team left fans wondering just how much Spire Motorsports had to offer to convince RWR to part ways with him. One fan speculated, “I wonder how much Spire offered RWR for Haley? It had to be a decent amount to let go of their best driver in years.”
**Spire Motorsports’ Bold Moves**
Spire Motorsports has made it clear that they view their #7 car as their flagship team, and they’ve been making moves to ensure its success in 2025. They brought in veteran crew chief Rodney Childers, who has a championship-winning pedigree, and secured substantial sponsorship support from Gainbridge. Given these moves, Spire needed a top-tier driver to lead the charge for their team. Justin Haley, with his previous success at Spire, seems to fit the bill perfectly.
The swap between Haley and LaJoie could prove to be a major win for Spire Motorsports, but fans are questioning whether Rick Ware Racing made the right call in trading Haley for LaJoie. One fan on X summed up the general sentiment by saying, “What a huge win for Spire, and a massive loss for Rick Ware.”
There’s also a rumor floating around that Justin Haley’s return to Spire could be part of a larger strategy involving Hendrick Motorsports. Allegedly, Hendrick has five drivers contracted for 2025, and Haley is believed to be the fifth. If current Hendrick driver Alex Bowman fails to meet expectations next year, it’s speculated that Haley could be next in line to take his place. One race fan suggested, “It makes sense that Haley’s move to Spire is temporary until a spot opens up at Hendrick, if that happens.”
**What’s Next for LaJoie and Haley?**
As the NASCAR silly season continues to unfold, all eyes are on Corey LaJoie and Justin Haley as they prepare for their new roles. Whether this swap will benefit Rick Ware Racing or if Spire Motorsports got the better end of the deal remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure—this mid-season driver swap has added even more excitement to an already eventful NASCAR season. Fans are eager to see how both drivers will fare in their new rides in 2025.
NASCAR Insider Sparks Excitement with Hints of Corey LaJoie’s Comeback in the Cup Series Alongside Rick Ware, Leaving Fans Stunned.
