Corey LaJoie on NASCAR comeback discussed Kyle Larson’s extraordinary return to top-level racing as an ideal story for the rumored Days of Thunder sequel. The conversation took place recently on the Stacking Pennies podcast, hosted by LaJoie and Ryan Blaney crew member Ryan Flores.
Larson’s journey is compelling, marked by triumphs and setbacks. The 33-year-old NASCAR Cup Series driver, noted for his diverse heritage and impressive skills across multiple racing disciplines, endured a dramatic suspension in 2020 after using a racial slur during an online event. This incident led to the loss of his ride with Chip Ganassi Racing.
Kyle Larson’s Downfall and Road to Redemption
After the suspension, Larson’s career seemed over, but his resilience shone through. He transitioned to sprint car racing, a world he had long been familiar with, and dominated the circuits while barred from NASCAR. The sprint car community embraced him fully during those months away from the Cup Series.
LaJoie recalled Larson’s relentless winning streak during that period:
“He literally gets in his bus, him and his family for the next four months, and wins every single race that there was,”
LaJoie said.
“There’s a sprint car race in Timbuktu, he shows up and wins that.”
Meanwhile, Larson’s fall from grace included vivid moments signaling his career uncertainty. Flores described it:
“(Larson then was) cancelled. He starts on a Twitch stream during Covid, gets cancelled. Fired. They show up to his house with a flatbed 10 hours later to pick up his Tahoe (his company car with Ganassi). He lost at the top level, dude.”
LaJoie added personal details reflecting Larson’s upheaval:
“Yeah, he was building a house on Lake Norman, for sale (sign went up) in the front yard, got rid of that.”
Return Marked by a Championship and New Beginnings
Despite the turmoil, Larson’s NASCAR comeback was swift and impressive. Legendary team owner Rick Hendrick signed him for the 2021 season, and Larson didn’t disappoint. He capped the year by winning the Cup Series championship and securing ten race victories. This remarkable turnaround sparked speculation that his story could become the narrative foundation for a Days of Thunder sequel.
Flores emphasized the surprise and scope of Larson’s return:
“Everyone was saying, ‘He’ll never get another ride. He’s done. Who’s going to take him on? Tony Stewart?’ And then Rick Hendrick calls. He goes on to win 10 races and the championship.”
The Perfect Narrative for a Modern Racing Film
LaJoie confidently identified Larson’s comeback as the type of plot Hollywood would find irresistible:
“There’s your Days of Thunder 2 plot line, ladies and gentlemen. There it is.”
Flores elaborated on the narrative dynamics, highlighting the contrast between the driver’s raw talent and the technical expertise behind the scenes:
“You have the driver that’s like super, just a race car driver, and then you have the real stiff engineer. Yeah, it’s a great story. So I’m sure it’ll be something like that.”
Speculation on Tom Cruise’s Role in a Sequel
LaJoie and Flores also debated how the original film’s star, Tom Cruise, might fit into a potential sequel. LaJoie proposed an intriguing scenario where Cruise’s character, Cole Trickle, now a veteran, could take on the role of a team owner:
“But how do you weave in Cole Trickle now? Does he own a bunch of used car dealerships and he’s the one that owns this mega-team?”
Flores supported the idea, pointing to real-life parallels with former drivers evolving into leadership roles:
“Jeff Gordon won a couple championships and Rick just gave him the keys. Here. If you don’t use that plot line, you’re really missing it because it’s a hell of a story when you think about it.”
The Broader Impact of Larson’s Story on NASCAR and Fans
Kyle Larson’s comeback has reshaped narratives within NASCAR, symbolizing resilience and redemption. His story resonates beyond racing fans, offering a powerful example of overcoming public adversity and reclaiming success at the highest level. For NASCAR, Larson’s resurgence has potential implications for team dynamics and the sport’s future, including the preservation of competitive teams like Stewart-Haas Racing, which once eyed Larson as a critical asset.
Larson’s journey from suspension to champion remains one of the sport’s most compelling comebacks, capturing the attention of both fans and media. Should the Days of Thunder sequel incorporate his story, it could bring fresh relevance and excitement to a beloved racing-themed film series.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Corey LaJoie Randy LaJoie’s son?
A. He races occasionally in the NASCAR Cup Series in the No. 01 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Rick Ware Racing. He also participates part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the No. 07 Chevrolet Silverado RST for Spire Motorsports. LaJoie is the son of Randy LaJoie, who won the NASCAR Busch Series championship twice.
Q. Why is Corey LaJoie not racing?
A. Before the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season wrapped up, an unofficial deal occurred: Corey LaJoie moved from Spire Motorsports to Rick Ware Racing, while Justin Haley went the other way.
Haley received a full-time contract with Spire Motorsports for the 2025 season. Unfortunately, LaJoie could only secure a part-time position for 2025.
