Corey LaJoie’s tenure with Spire Motorsports concluded on a sour note during the night race at Bristol Motor Speedway due to a crash with Josh Berry which forced him to retire from the race.
The crash marked an unfortunate end to LaJoie’s four-year journey with Spire Motorsports. Just a day before the race, it was revealed that LaJoie would be switching rides with Rick Ware Racing’s Justin Haley for the final seven races of 2024. Haley is set to take over the No. 7 car starting in 2025.
LaJoie will be driving the No. 51 car for Rick Ware Racing, with his debut race for the team scheduled for September 28 at Kansas Speedway. Despite the immediate certainty of his role in the remaining 2024 races, LaJoie’s long-term future remains up in the air, as he has no confirmed ride for the 2025 season.
Spire Motorsports president Jeff Dickerson commented during the announcement of the driver swap, as previously reported by Newsweek Sports:
James Gilbert/Getty Images
“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.
“RWR is getting a workhorse in Corey. He’s dedicated to his craft and his tenacity brings out the best in those around him.”
Speaking out on his Spire Motorsports exit, LaJoie posted to social media:
“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.”
NASCAR Cup Series: Bass Pro Shops Night Race Results
- Kyle Larson – Running
- Chase Elliott – Running
- Bubba Wallace – Running
- Denny Hamlin – Running
- Christopher Bell – Running
- Ryan Blaney – Running
- Ryan Preece – Running
- Chase Briscoe – Running
- Alex Bowman – Running
- Ross Chastain – Running
- Michael McDowell – Running
- Noah Gragson – Running
- Austin Cindric – Running
- Chris Buescher – Running
- Ty Gibbs – Running
- Zane Smith – Running
- William Byron – Running
- Carson Hocevar – Running
- Daniel Hemric – Running
- Tyler Reddick – Running
- Austin Dillon – Running
- Justin Haley – Running
- AJ Allmendinger – Running
- Martin Truex Jr. – Running
- Kyle Busch – Running
- Brad Keselowski – Running
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – Running
- Joey Logano – Running
- Josh Berry – Running
- Erik Jones – Running
- Daniel Suárez – Running
- Todd Gilliland – Running
- John H. Nemechek – Running
- Josh Bilicki – Running
- Harrison Burton – Running
- Corey LaJoie – Accident
- Kaz Grala – Steering
