Corey LaJoie recently revealed that he will not be pursuing any rides in the NASCAR Truck Series for the 2026 season, signaling a shift in focus toward other pursuits within and beyond racing. As the 2025 NASCAR National Series season nears its end, LaJoie, a fan favorite and experienced competitor, is preparing for what he calls his “next chapter” away from full-time driving in trucks but without leaving racing entirely behind.
After a varied 2025 season featuring part-time Cup Series appearances with Rick Ware Racing, a role as an analyst for Prime Video, and several starts in the Craftsman Truck Series with Spire Motorsports, LaJoie made it clear during a recent interview on the podcast Staking Pennies that he does not plan to return to the Truck Series next year. Despite putting up strong performances with two top-five and four top-ten finishes in six truck races, LaJoie expressed significant frustration with elements around competing in the series at a high level.
Reasons Behind LaJoie’s Decision to Step Back from Truck Racing
LaJoie explained that part of his reluctance to continue racing trucks stems from the challenges and restrictions that come with competing in a top-tier Truck Series program like Spire Motorsports, where decisions often limit his ability to make changes or improvements independently. He described dealing with organizational limitations and regulatory constraints as exhausting, stating,
“If you’re not doing it yourself, you deal with all the bullshit. . . ‘We can’t do a new body build. Well, we can’t build it this way, because GM this, and simulation that.’ I’m tired of fighting those battles.”
This frustration with the lack of control over technical decisions clearly contributed to his choice to explore opportunities beyond driving in the trucks.
While LaJoie stopped short of fully retiring, he emphasized that he wants to focus more on off-track endeavors, including media work and launching a new business venture. He mentioned there are numerous paths he’s considering for the next phase of his career, indicating a desire to pivot away from the day-to-day demands of being a full-time driver.
“There’s like ten other things that I could be doing right now to start what the next chapter looks like, and I think I’m going to start focusing on that,”
he said.
Limited Opportunities and Future Racing Possibilities
LaJoie acknowledged the reality of NASCAR’s shifting landscape, especially regarding Cup Series opportunities. He pointed out that once a driver loses a seat, the replacement process is swift and often favors cheaper or comparable options, leaving fewer chances for veteran drivers like himself. Regarding the Truck Series, he was unequivocal: “Truck offers, I’m not entertaining.”
However, LaJoie did leave the door open for select racing opportunities in 2026, particularly in marquee events such as the Daytona 500. He expressed confidence in his ability to win in the right car, stating that he would consider racing in such events if the circumstances aligned. Still, these would be occasional starts rather than a full-season commitment.
A Review of LaJoie’s 2025 Season and Racing Activity
Corey LaJoie’s 2025 season has been a period of transition and mixed experiences. After a trade between Spire Motorsports and Rick Ware Racing in late 2024 sent LaJoie to RWR, rumors initially suggested Truck Series rides might be on the horizon for him in 2025. Instead, he opted for a limited schedule in the NASCAR Cup Series, announcing four races with Rick Ware Racing early in the year.
LaJoie’s approach to racing this season was candid and sometimes controversial. In an interview with FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, he expressed his preference for racing on Sundays in the Cup Series over potentially more frequent but less prestigious appearances, questioning the value of competing in smaller events. In his words,
“Do you wanna go pump the ego up and hold a trophy on a Friday when there’s 12 people in the grandstands?”
This statement sparked some debate among fans and peers, but LaJoie later clarified that his words reflected frustration rather than a lack of enthusiasm for racing.
Later in 2025, after Spire Motorsports reduced its Truck Series operation, LaJoie returned to the Truck Series with Spire’s renumbered No. 77 team to compete in the final eight races of the season at Richmond and beyond. His performances were strong enough to demonstrate his competitiveness, but his renewed enjoyment and future hopes for full-time participation appear limited after reflecting on the challenges faced so far.
Addressing Past Controversies and Personal Challenges
LaJoie has openly acknowledged that some of his comments earlier in the season, especially those made before returning to the Truck Series, were influenced by personal frustrations and circumstances. He described himself as being “hangry” during the contentious January interview, suggesting his mindset at the time affected how he expressed his feelings about the racing schedule and series participation. This admission provided fans and observers with additional context for understanding his recent candidness and career decisions.
What Lies Ahead for Corey LaJoie?
Overall, LaJoie’s decisions reflect a complex mix of dissatisfaction, strategic repositioning, and a desire for growth outside racing’s cockpit. His intention to focus on media roles and entrepreneurial ventures suggests he aims to build a sustainable career that leverages his racing experience without the daily toll of competing in the Truck Series. While he remains open to select racing starts, particularly in high-profile events like the Daytona 500, his priority is clearly to explore “the next chapter” beyond full-time driving.
This development highlights the competitive and demanding nature of NASCAR’s tiers, where drivers must balance passion, opportunity, and control over their careers. LaJoie’s move could serve as an example for others facing similar crossroads, marking a notable shift from active racing to diversified roles within the sport.
Corey LaJoie, who will have Take 5 and DuraMAX as sponsors for his Daytona 500 effort with Rick Ware Racing, has been outspoken that he prefers to race on Sundays even if that means he has less of a chance of winning. He explains that philosophy pic.twitter.com/aDCeav69qh
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 27, 2025
