Corey LaJoie is making a high-profile comeback to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 07 Chevrolet Silverado for Spire Motorsports in nine races this season. His return starts this Saturday at Michigan International Speedway as he aims to boost the team’s chances in the final 13 races leading to the playoffs.
The anticipation builds as LaJoie looks to claim a win soon, targeting the Clean Harbors 250 at Richmond Raceway on August 15, which could secure a playoff spot for the No. 07 team among the top 10 locked-in owner entries.
Background on LaJoie’s experience and recent team performance
LaJoie’s reentry into truck racing follows a successful season for Spire Motorsports, highlighted by Kyle Larson’s win at the Baptist Health 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway earlier this year. LaJoie has a strong history with Spire, having driven their No. 7 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series from 2021 until last September.
While LaJoie has nearly 300 starts in the NASCAR Cup Series, he has competed in only five NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races, making this comeback an exciting development for fans and competitors alike.
Team ambitions and LaJoie’s expectations for the season
Corey LaJoie expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming opportunity:
I’m looking forward to getting back in the seat and chasing some NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series wins. The No. 07 team has been bringing some fast trucks to the track this year, and I’m excited to work with them to secure a spot in the owner’s playoffs.
His focus is clear – to leverage Spire Motorsports’ strong truck performance and secure a crucial victory early in his return schedule.
Despite a limited NASCAR Cup Series schedule planned for 2025, LaJoie has already demonstrated competitive form in three Cup races with Rick Ware Racing’s No. 01 car, maintaining momentum as he transitions between series.
Spire Motorsports’ confidence in LaJoie’s role for the championship run
Jeff Dickerson, co-owner of Spire Motorsports, voiced his support for LaJoie’s comeback:
Corey LaJoie embodies the essence of what we’ve built at Spire Motorsports and is the perfect fit for our pursuit of the Craftsman Truck Series championship. We are thrilled to have him back on the team and look forward to his outstanding performance on the track.
This confidence underscores the team’s belief that LaJoie’s skill and familiarity with the organization will fuel a strong playoff push.
The impact of LaJoie’s return on the NASCAR Truck Series battle
With the Truck Series playoff spots quickly filling, LaJoie’s return injects fresh energy into a competitive field, igniting excitement around Spire Motorsports’ title chances. His combination of experience and determination sets the stage for intense on-track rivalries as the season nears its climax.
Fans should expect compelling and high-speed contests as LaJoie attempts to re-establish himself among the series’ top contenders, potentially altering the championship trajectory for the No. 07 team and the broader NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series landscape.
