Corey LaJoie recently discussed the significant impact that working as a racing analyst for Amazon Prime Video has had on his mindset as a driver. This change came after he transitioned to a broadcasting role while continuing to race part-time in NASCAR. The 33-year-old revealed that stepping away from full-time competition allowed him to gain a clearer, less pressured view of racing through his analyst position.
Following the conclusion of his full-time Cup Series career last year, LaJoie accepted part-time driving roles with Rick Ware Racing in the Cup Series, piloting the #01 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, and with Spire Motorsports in the Truck Series behind the wheel of the #07 Chevrolet Silverado. Concurrently, he took on the Prime Video analyst spot as the streaming service prepared to broadcast select NASCAR Cup Series races starting in 2025 under a deal with owner Jeff Bezos.
Insights Gained from Observing NASCAR as a Broadcaster
Adjusting to his new position was natural for LaJoie, who has nearly a decade of experience competing in NASCAR. He explained that analyzing races from the broadcast booth shifted his focus during competitions.
“What I realized these last five weeks during my time on Prime, I’m intently watching the race, but I’m really only focused on three guys’ races. The other guys who are there grinding away, unless they somehow factor into the main storylines of the race, they’re not top of mind.”
This perspective allowed LaJoie to understand the mental burden he carried as a full-time competitor.
“Before this opportunity to see the race from a TV perspective, I would feel like if I wasn’t running well, then I was letting a lot of people down. I think that I cared too much, and I would hold the outcome too tightly, as opposed to just enjoying it when I was doing it,” he further added. —Corey LaJoie, Racing Analyst
Working alongside seasoned broadcasters like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carl Edwards, Danielle Trotta, Steve Letarte, and Adam Alexander, LaJoie has been able to balance his dual roles, gaining valuable insights that affect both his analysis and driving outlook.
Summary of Corey LaJoie’s NASCAR Racing Journey
Corey LaJoie has been an established competitor within NASCAR circles for several years. He began his professional racing career in the ARCA Menards Series, demonstrating promising talent before moving up to the Xfinity Series in 2013. Over four years, he competed in 22 Xfinity races, earning two Top-10 finishes. Transitioning to higher levels of NASCAR, LaJoie raced part-time in the Truck Series with six starts and two Top-10s to his record.
In the top-tier Cup Series, he made 275 starts spanning more than a decade, achieving 11 Top-10 finishes. LaJoie’s development included time with notable teams such as Richard Petty Motorsports and JGL Racing, and he benefits from a strong racing pedigree as the son of Randy LaJoie, a two-time NASCAR Busch (now Xfinity) Series champion.
Implications of LaJoie’s Evolving Role on His Racing Outlook
Corey LaJoie’s experience as a Prime Video analyst has fostered a sense of detachment from the intense pressure he previously placed on himself during races, potentially allowing him to approach driving with less anxiety and more enjoyment. This transformation may influence how he performs when competing part-time and could open further opportunities in broadcasting.
As Prime Video prepares to expand its NASCAR coverage in the future, LaJoie’s unique perspective as both a driver and analyst positions him as a valuable figure who bridges the competing worlds of racing and media. His evolving role could shape how audiences view NASCAR stories and deepen their understanding of the sport’s driving dynamics.
