Several months ago Corey LaJoie announced his decision to leave Go FAS Racing at the end of this season, and on last weeks episode of the Racing Refresh podcast I announced I was all in on LaJoie's future, and here is my case. He is the son of two time Busch Series champion Randy LaJoie, and Randy supported Corey's ARCA Series racing. .
Corey has a combined 126 Cup Series starts over five season. Two of these seasons are full time efforts in 2019 and 2020 with his current team Go Fas Racing. LaJoie has always ran for backmarker teams including Randy Humphrey Racing in 2014, BK Racing in 2017, and Tri Star Racing in 2018. LaJoie has never been competitive, but he has gotten consistently better. LaJoie's best season so far is this season, he is 29th in points, and only has 1 Top 10, but his average finish is 25.2. His 2019 season was fairly similar including a 29th place points finish, 2 Top 10s, and an average finish of 25.9.
Although LaJoie's improvements from 2019 to 2020 his season has been plagued by mechanical failures including an astonishing nine fuel related issues. Although LaJoie has brought some funding to the team they are still vastly underfunded. LaJoie has had some bright spots including the Las Vegas spring race, Martinsville spring race, and the first race at Texas. LaJoie's biggest success is his influx of sponsors notably Built Bar, Drydene, and Schluter Systems. LaJoie is growing his brand through his MRN podcast Sunday Money, and his saying "Stacking Pennies," and has developed a loyal, loud fan base.
In my opinion Corey is a good fit for a developing team like JTG Daughtery Racing, and possibly going part time in some top tier Xfinity Series rides possibly for JRM, or Kaulig. LaJoie is a driver we have never seen in a competitive ride, and its time he gets that chance. LaJoie constantly talks about the struggles with his equipment on his podcast, and if nothing else Corey should have the opportunity to prove he can do it.
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