The decision to not retain the 32-year-old LaJoie was particularly surprising because when Spire announced the hiring of veteran crew chief Rodney Childers for next season, he was set to function crew chief for LaJoie and the No. 7 Chevrolet.
LaJoie has been an everyday at Spire since 2021 and has 4 top-five finishes and 6 top-10 finishes in 4 seasons, including a fourth-place finish on this yr’s Daytona 500.
The team said the name of the brand new everlasting driver of the No. 7 automobile shall be announced at a later date.
Spire Motorsports Company Statement
“Corey LaJoie has been a pillar of Spire Motorsports since 2021 and there is no way to overstate what he has meant to the organization and how deeply I feel about this decision,” said team co-owner Jeff Dickerson.
“Corey put his heart and soul into this team. He rolled up his sleeves and started working before we had a race shop, a toolbox and even our own cars. Those days, looking back, were a lot simpler than where we are actually in our journey.
“Back then, we just wanted to get to the racetrack. Today, we're consumed with constantly fighting for top-10 finishes and competing for wins in the near future.”
Corey LaJoie, Spire Motorsports, Gainbridge Chevrolet Camaro
Photo: Nigel Kinrade / NKP / Motorsports images
LaJoie was not quoted within the Spire press release, but he provided a press release to The Athletic on Thursday morning during which he confirmed his departure but promised to “finish off the rest of 2024 strong.”
Less than a yr ago – in August 2023 – Spire announced a multi-year contract extension with LaJoie.
“There are always variables in racing, but one thing we all know is that this is a performance-based business, and it just wasn’t there for a number of reasons,” Dickerson said. “All of those reasons go into making a choice of this magnitude.
“With Ryan (Sparks) moving on and Rodney (Childers) joining us next season, the best thing for Spire Motorsports is a clean slate for the No. 7 car in 2025. Corey also deserves a fresh perspective from another organization and we will do everything we can to help him earn another opportunity in the Cup garage.”
LaJoie has 258 Cup Series starts in nine seasons, 22 Xfinity starts and five in Trucks. He has never won a NASCAR National Series race.
