Corey LaJoie’s NASCAR story has always been about grit, persistence, and making the most of what he had. A third-generation driver, he’s wheeled for BK Racing, TriStar Motorsports, Go Fas Racing, and, most recently, Spire Motorsports, steadily building a reputation for wringing out every ounce of speed from mid-pack equipment. Along the way, he’s notched top-10s, gained fans with his no-nonsense attitude, and proven he belongs at the Cup level.

But 2025 hasn’t been smooth sailing. His release from Spire left his future in doubt, even as he’s filled in with four starts for Rick Ware Racing. And now, just when it seemed like he might chase another ride for 2026, LaJoie has dropped a surprising take on where his career could really go next.

Corey LaJoie shares his future plan

Corey LaJoie has been candid about his current NASCAR prospects, revealing on his “Stacking Pennies” podcast that he is no longer entertaining offers to compete full-time in the Truck Series for 2026. LaJoie explained that the Truck Series has become less enjoyable.

Lajoie cited frustrations with limited team resources, restrictions on new body builds, and overall challenges in staying competitive without full control over the process. At 33, he emphasized focusing on new ventures outside racing, including his growing career as a TV analyst and plans to start a carbon fiber business.

“But yeah, Trucks aren’t particularly fun to drive, and also like smashing my head up against the wall, metaphorically. Like, you’re fighting a battle that is just; 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,” LaJoie explained.

However, Corey LaJoie remains open to select opportunities in marquee events, particularly the Daytona 500. He believes he brings value as an experienced driver capable of competing for a win in a quality car and highlights the financial incentives that make such high-profile one-off races desirable.

He expressed hope to secure a seat for the 2026 Daytona 500, putting it ahead of full-time roles in other series. “I’ll entertain DAYTONA 500 offers because I think I can compete for a win in a decent car there, and [I] made the race the hard way a couple of times,” he said.

LaJoie’s candid remarks have sparked fan reactions and widespread debate about his future in NASCAR, blending dwindling opportunities for drivers outside well-funded teams as well as LaJoie’s personal choices. This growing dialogue sets the stage for deeper discussions about his legacy, career decisions, and the changing landscape of NASCAR, which will be explored in the next section.

Fans React to Corey LaJoie’s statements

Corey LaJoie’s announcement that he’s no longer entertaining Truck Series offers for 2026 quickly ended rumors linking him to Kaulig Racing. Fans noted this shifts him away from full-time lower-series rides, focusing his ambitions elsewhere. One fan remarked, “Okay so that takes LaJoie out of the Kaulig rumors I guess.”

Another fan broke it down more clearly: “If you actually listen to the full conversation, he is pretty much aware that he’s done as a full-time driver and is moving on to other things. He thinks his time is better spent focusing on the non-driving opportunities he has, rather than grinding it out doing in a non-competitive driving situation.” That perspective ties neatly into LaJoie’s growing presence outside the car. His podcast Stacking Pennies, and recently co-hosting Cup Series pre- and post-race shows for Amazon Prime Sports have kept him front and center in NASCAR conversations.

Despite the support, some fans have reacted with knee-jerk negativity, seizing on select quotes and misinterpreting LaJoie’s intentions. Many argue that those critics overlook his decade-long racing career filled with steady progress and occasional top-tens, unfairly reducing his legacy to a few challenging seasons. As one fan put it in the most direct way possible, “People are so quick to hate on him now that they’re just taking the one quote and running with it.”

Of course, others couldn’t resist poking fun, with one saying. “If only some of that confidence helped him on the race track.” LaJoie’s critics often point to a career defined by flashes of promise but rarely backed by results. LaJoie hasn’t managed a single win in his Cup career that lasted a decade. However, he isn’t to be blamed entirely, as the lack of competitive equipment played a big part in that.

Then came the money angle: “He’s likely getting paid more for tv and his podcast than what a truck series driver makes, doesn’t wanna take a pay cut.” And that’s hard to argue with. Given the pay gap between national-level media contracts (plus YouTube income) and lower-level driving deals, this pragmatic choice resonates with fans who understand the economics of modern motorsport careers.

Fans may be split, but they all agree on one thing: Corey LaJoie isn’t going anywhere; he’s just switching lanes.