During the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway, Corey LaJoie experienced a spectacular crash that caught widespread attention. The driver of the No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet shared a video of the incident on social media, highlighting the uncontrollable nature of the accident in his wild ride at Michigan.
In the footage, LaJoie loses control after moving inside Noah Gragson on the backstretch. His car abruptly veers toward the inside wall before spinning across the apron. The vehicle’s underbody catches air, flipping it onto its roof in a slide that spans over 1,000 feet across the track.
The Sequence and Impact of the Multi-Flip Crash
The crash unfolded with LaJoie’s car sliding on its roof at high speed before hitting the grass near Turn 3. Upon contact with the turf, the car flipped three additional times before finally coming to rest. The full event lasted about 15 seconds, with strong winds and speeds nearing 200 mph contributing to the severity and airtime of the flip.
Despite the violent nature of the wreck, LaJoie emerged physically unscathed and was examined at the infield care center. Sharing his experience in an interview with pit reporter Parker Kligerman, LaJoie reflected on the incident:
“I’ve never been upside down before… The No. 10 car chopped me a few times. It was a ride, buddy… I think we had a top-10 car today and I ended up on my roof.” He credited NASCAR for building safe cars and added, “I would jump back in if they’d let me.” —Corey LaJoie, NASCAR Driver
His humorous take was also evident when reposting a crash replay from NASCAR on NBC, captioning it:
“Confirmed: they handle better with the rubber side down.” —Corey LaJoie, NASCAR Driver
LaJoie’s flip marked the second major rollover crash at Michigan International Speedway that weekend. Just a day earlier, Kyle Sieg had suffered a similar accident during the Xfinity Series race.
Corey LaJoie’s Current Career Moves and Future Outlook in NASCAR
Beyond the dramatic crash, LaJoie’s career is undergoing significant change. Following the 2024 season, he ended his full-time tenure with Spire Motorsports and transitioned to a part-time position with Rick Ware Racing. This shift coincides with his upcoming debut in the CARS Tour, where he will drive the No. 12 car for KP Speed Motorsports at North Wilkesboro.
LaJoie began 2025 with a start at the Daytona 500, qualifying 12th and finishing 22nd, closely trailing Cole Custer. He has competed in three Cup Series races this season—Daytona, Atlanta, and Bristol—but has yet to break into the top ten.
In a candid conversation with FrontStretch Media, LaJoie discussed the challenge of securing stable rides in NASCAR, emphasizing the importance of timing and opportunity in the sport’s competitive environment. He said,
“At the end of the day, whether you’re late model racing or Cup racing, you got to be with the right group at the right time.” —Corey LaJoie, NASCAR Driver
“If those opportunities come up, great. If not, then I’ll just keep hanging out with my kiddos.” —Corey LaJoie, NASCAR Driver
The Significance of LaJoie’s Michigan Crash and What’s Ahead
LaJoie’s well-publicized crash underscores the inherent risks and excitement present in NASCAR racing, while also highlighting advancements in vehicle safety that allowed him to walk away unharmed. The incident is likely to be remembered both for its dramatic visuals and LaJoie’s lighthearted response.
Looking ahead, LaJoie’s career trajectory suggests adaptability and persistence, balancing part-time Cup rides with new ventures such as the CARS Tour. His reflections on timing and team alignment shed light on the broader challenges drivers face in sustaining competitive rides within NASCAR’s evolving landscape.
