Recent speculation has been rife regarding the future of the Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) charter and its potential driver. The main questions revolve around which team will acquire this unclaimed charter and whether it will go to RFK Racing or 23XI Racing. Additionally, the future of Ryan Preece in the 2025 season remains uncertain. If RFK Racing secures the third charter, rumors suggest that Brad Keselowski might offer Preece a chance to drive.
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is Corey LaJoie’s anticipated move from Spire Motorsports to Rick Ware Racing (RWR). Given the technical alliance between RWR and RFK Racing, it’s speculated that Keselowski might influence LaJoie’s potential placement. This speculation has led to questions about whether LaJoie might replace Justin Haley at RWR.
Justin Haley’s Performance in the Cup Series
Over his six-year career in the NASCAR Cup Series, Justin Haley’s performance has been relatively average. His career-best ranking was 22nd in 2022. While he secured a win in 2019 with Spire Motorsports, he has since driven for Kaulig Racing, a team with which he has been associated since his Xfinity Series days. His most recent move was to Rick Ware Racing in 2024, where he signed a multi-year contract. Despite this, the potential arrival of LaJoie at RWR has put Haley’s position in jeopardy.
Interestingly, LaJoie’s career has not seen significantly better results compared to Haley’s. LaJoie has yet to secure a Cup Series win throughout his decade-long career, which raises questions about why he might be considered over Haley.
Fan Reactions to Corey LaJoie’s Potential Move
NASCAR fans have expressed skepticism about LaJoie’s potential move to the #51 car at Rick Ware Racing. Many fans, as seen in online discussions, are unconvinced about LaJoie’s Cup Series capabilities based on his career statistics. One Reddit user suggested, “I really think LaJoie should find a solid ride in Xfinity or trucks.” This suggestion highlights the belief that performing in the lower series might be more beneficial for LaJoie than competing in the Cup Series, where he has struggled.
Another user expressed doubt about LaJoie’s ability to stay in the Cup Series, writing, “I have a lot of trouble believing that LaJoie is going to stay in the Cup next year, but if RFK leasing the 15 charter is true, it would be interesting to see what happens with the remaining SHR charter, especially since it seems like 23XI is almost certainly not buying it.” This uncertainty surrounding the availability and allocation of charters has fueled speculation about LaJoie’s future.
Some fans have also questioned the rationale behind potentially replacing Haley with LaJoie. One comment highlighted the perceived irony of the situation: “This Preece to RFK stuff really makes everyone’s ‘Brad thinks of Justin Haley like a son’ thing kind of silly.” This sentiment reflects the confusion and frustration among fans, particularly given Keselowski’s role in Haley’s transition to Ford vehicles. Another fan summed up the confusion by saying, “The whole Preece to RFK, Haley to Spire and LaJoie to RWR shuffle is the most mid rumor out there. Only Haley has even proved he belongs in Cup.”
The Role of 23XI Racing and Potential Charter Deals
The ongoing negotiations and potential delays between NASCAR and 23XI Racing could influence the final outcome. As one fan speculated, “I think 23XI will ultimately get it. Probably with Herbst driving. That is as long as things don’t completely blow up and NASCAR sells 23XI’s and FRM’s existing charters.” This uncertainty underscores the broader complexities of the charter market and its impact on driver movements.
As these developments unfold, fans and industry insiders alike are left to navigate the shifting landscape of team and driver changes. Until official announcements are made, speculation will continue to shape the discussions around who will ultimately fill the remaining seats and secure the available charters.
SHOCKING NEWS: Brad Keselowski’s Set To Have A Deal With SHR Driver ,Puts Corey LaJoie’s Future in Jeopardy
