Corey Lajoie is set to embrace his role as a NASCAR Cup Series driver once again for the upcoming week and a half, marking a return to the sport he has passionately engaged with throughout this decade.
Following Brad Keselowski’s unfortunate injury—a fractured right femur sustained during a family skiing accident on December 18—Lajoie received the call to take the wheel in the Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, driving the renowned RFK Racing No. 6. In addition to this, he will also participate in the highly anticipated Daytona 500, piloting the equally iconic No. 99 car for RFK.
Having lost his full-time position with Spire Motorsports after the conclusion of the 2024 season, Lajoie has since explored opportunities in the Truck Series while also venturing into television with Amazon Prime’s coverage of the Cup Series.
This year, he aims to balance a few Truck Series appearances alongside his commitments to broadcasting and podcasting, navigating a peculiar chapter in his career where he has been reflecting on his identity within NASCAR.
“That’s a daily wrestle because it’s pretty straightforward when you’re chasing being a race car driver,” Lajoie remarked during a press briefing on Wednesday in preparation for the Clash.
He reminisced about the clarity of his journey in 2012, when he triumphed at Bowman Gray in the K&N West Series, setting his sights on emulating his father, Randy—a two-time Busch Series champion—by reaching the pinnacle of NASCAR.
Lajoie aspired not only to arrive at that level but also to secure victories and contend for championships. “I got close,” he reflected. “I reached the top of the spear as I had hoped. I wish there was always more, but transitioning, not necessarily voluntarily, to Prime was incredible. I’m thrilled to reconnect with those individuals. I’m also engaging in some truck activities.”
“Spending more time with my children and attempting to establish a business are all valuable learning experiences. Ultimately, it’s taught me to cherish things more and to let the Lord take the wheel,” Lajoie stated.
He expressed that if this journey leads to additional racing opportunities, he is ready to give it his all. However, his primary desire is to be more engaged in his daily life.
“It’s been a confusing journey of sorts lately, but it’s been nice to have a central focus, whether it be this week preparing for the Clash or certainly next week for the 500 to really lock in and focus,” Lajoie shared.
He added, “In racing, your objectives are quite clear. It’s about preparing and performing better than your competitors, and I’m grateful to have that defined goal for the next two weeks.”
Lajoie views his participation in the Clash and the Daytona 500 as an opportunity to play with house money at the start of the season.
“Just when I was beginning to accept that my window as a race car driver was closing, this opportunity came up,” he admitted. “I feel for Brad. I saw him yesterday, and he’s as sharp as ever. He’s recovering well, and I’m looking forward to seeing him back next week, but this opportunity has been fantastic.”
He acknowledged the inherent pressure that comes with the chance he has been given. “If you don’t feel the pressure, then you don’t grasp the significance of what this opportunity entails. I remind myself that I’ve been in this sport for a long time and performing at a high level, so it’s an honor for those in charge to select me for the 6 car, believing I can deliver a strong performance.”
“It’s been exciting to be back in the mix and preparing in the simulator again, shaking off some rust, but I hope we can perform well when the time comes,” he concluded.
