Spire Motorsports driver Corey LaJoie just might have found a way to keep himself in the Cup Series for 2025. The driver and the team decided to part ways after a four-year partnership, leaving LaJoie on a hunt for a new job. However, given his track record and recent string of mishaps, it was believed that he wouldn’t be able to continue at the Cup Series level.
There were reports that LaJoie could be dropping down to the Xfinity or the Truck level due to a lack of opportunities or suitors. However, an update shared by prominent NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass suggests that LaJoie has been able to secure a new ride for the 2025 season. Rick Ware Racing has been identified as his new destination, and it is believed to be a swap deal between LoJoie and Justin Haley.
“Rick Ware Racing and Spire have set a 1:30p ET news conference today. Would expect that to involve Corey LaJoie and Justin Haley and a possible swap of rides after this weekend with their potential moves for 2025.” Bob Pockrass shared this update on X.
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Justin Haley is believed to be a talented driver who can produce good results with a solid team. Unfortunately, making a switch from Chevrolet to Ford at RWR hasn’t turned out well for him, and he was believed to be one of the drivers to jump ships in the silly season. And going by the recent updates, it seems like he is heading back to Spire Motorsports.
Fans were left stunned by this development and couldn’t wrap their heads around the fact that Corey LaJoie has a ride for next year. Moreover, a swap deal mid-season wasn’t something they expected to add to this year’s silly season drama.
Corey LaJoie manages to stay afloat in the Cup Series
If we are to compare the on-track performance of the two drivers, Haley, despite being a young gun, has an edge over experienced LaJoie. Haley is a NASCAR Cup race winner with Spire back in 2019. Meanwhile, LaJoie has yet to register his first victory. So, his stock was up and a team would need to break the bank to sign the youngster, and that is what Spire managed to do, according to this fan. “Wow… I’m really shocked and feel bad for RWR, I wonder how much Spire offed them for Haley? I feel like it had to be a decent amount to get them to give up their best driver in years.”
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LaJoie has found himself on the short end of the stick when it comes to crashes and wrecks. But, for the most part, he was the culprit that ignited the crashes in the first place. He managed to wreck Kyle Busch twice this year, ended up upside down at Daytona, and has an average finish of 22.571. For some fans, these credentials just aren’t enough for a driver to compete at the Cup level. “Corey Lajoie still in the Cup series is insanity.”
Stewart Haas Racing’s departure has fast-tracked the silly season moves this year. And, it seems like Spire Motorsports has also joined the bandwagon in settling the business before they could lose out on a good deal. Surprised by the potential of this swap deal, a fan wrote, “Wow, really surprised that the change is already happening this year.”
Spire Motorsports sees the #7 as its flagship team. They brought in championship-winning veteran crew chief Rodney Childress and also secured the funding with Gainbridge’s support. So, it was evident that Jeff Dickerson and Co. were looking for a good prospect to lead the charge of this team in 2025. And Justin Haley, who has a history with the team, does fit in the role well. Reacting to his move from RWR to Spire, a user on X added. “What a huge W for Spire and a massive L for Rick Ware.”
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Hendrick Motorsports just might be able to sign Haley after his switch to Spire. The rumor has it that HMS has five drivers signed to their team, and Haley is believed to be the fifth one. In case Bowman fails to deliver next year, the team would have the option to bring in Haley. At least this was the theory a race fan pitched, “Heard the rumor a couple weeks ago that there are 5 Hendrick drivers contracted in 2025. Makes sense that it’s Haley, and this is his move for the time being until a spot becomes available at Hendrick, if that ever happens.”
It will be interesting to see how the two drivers fare up next year if the swap deal goes through. But did RWR make the right call in getting Corey LaJoie by swapping a talented driver like Haley for the #51 team?