Corey LaJoie has released a statement following his unexpected departure from Spire Motorsports.
LaJoie took to social media after the NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway to acknowledge his last race with the Spire Motorsports team. He wrote:
“The last couple of months have been an interesting and unique journey. Navigating conversations about my future in the sport while continuing to prepare and execute at a high level, as we’ve shown over the past month, has been a welcomed challenge. Now, being part of the ‘trade’ gives me clarity and motivation to continue overcoming and enduring the obstacles the sport throws at you.
“I wish Jeff, and everyone at Spire, who have become lifelong friends, the best of luck. Rick Ware, Robby Benton, and the RWR Group are also overcomers, and they’re focused on taking that organization to the next level. I’m ready to join their team and help make that happen. I truly appreciate the unwavering support from my loyal partners and fans throughout this journey.”
LaJoie’s tenure with Spire Motorsports, beginning in 2021, has seen him become an integral part of the team. This year, LaJoie achieved three top-10 finishes in 29 starts, including a remarkable fourth-place finish at the Daytona 500 on February 18.
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Spire Motorsports President Jeff Dickerson commented on LaJoie’s exit, stating, as Newsweek Sports previously reported:
“Corey LaJoie has been a cornerstone of Spire Motorsports and we’re incredibly appreciative of all the time, effort and energy he has invested in our program,” he said.
“RWR is getting a workhorse in Corey. He’s dedicated to his craft and his tenacity brings out the best in those around him.”
As part of the driver swap, Justin Haley will move from Rick Ware Racing to Spire Motorsports, taking over LaJoie’s seat in the No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. His debut with Spire Motorsports at Kansas Speedway later this month is highly anticipated ahead of his 2025 contract with the team.
Rick Ware Racing President Robby Benton also commented on the driver swap:
“Justin Haley is a very talented driver who has done a lot to help elevate RWR.
“Justin came to us over the Olympic break with a longer-term opportunity that would serve his career well. We were sympathetic to his desires, as Justin committed to RWR early last year and has since played a key role in the growth of our organization.
“We didn’t want to compromise his growth or our own. In our talks with Justin following the break, we agreed to release him from his contract with RWR.”
