Corey LaJoie’s seven-year NASCAR Cup Series run ended in 2024 when Spire Motorsports released him prematurely. With no clear path back to a major seat, he’s now weighing what the future holds beyond professional racing.
“You Lose Your Seat, the Music Stops”: Corey LaJoie Signals End of NASCAR Career, Looks Ahead to Next Chapter

Key Takeaways:
- Corey LaJoie’s Cup Series career spanned seven years ending in 2024
- Spire Motorsports let the driver go prematurely
- No new NASCAR opportunities have materialized since his departure
- LaJoie has acknowledged the need to plan for life off the track
- “You lose your seat, the music stops” encapsulates the reality of motorsports
The Early End of a NASCAR Run
Corey LaJoie’s time in the NASCAR Cup Series came to an unexpected halt in 2024, capping a seven-year journey in top-flight racing. Throughout his tenure, he forged a modest path on the grid, but his abrupt exit underlined the unpredictable nature of professional motorsports.
Parting Ways with Spire Motorsports
The turning point arrived when Spire Motorsports decided to let LaJoie go prematurely—an event that left him out of a job and abruptly shifted his career trajectory. With no evident alternative landing spot for the rest of that season, LaJoie quickly found himself contemplating a new chapter far removed from the adrenaline of Cup Series competition.
Facing Limited Options
Since parting ways with Spire, LaJoie’s career prospects in the NASCAR Cup Series have shown little momentum. In the fiercely competitive world of auto racing, once a driver loses a seat, avenues to return often become scarce. LaJoie’s circumstances underscore just how fragile a career in racing can be, even for established drivers.
Keeping One Eye on the Future
Where some might cling to the hope of a late-career comeback, LaJoie has taken a practical view of his situation. “You lose your seat, the music stops,” is how he phrases the end of a once-promising run. He seems ready to shift gears toward making the most of new opportunities—whatever they may be—beyond the Cup Series.
Lessons from a Racing Career
LaJoie’s experiences highlight the reality that staying in NASCAR’s top tier demands not just talent and resilience but also timing and good fortune. Having arrived with high hopes seven years ago, he now stands at a crossroads. Though it’s unclear what path he will ultimately choose, his story offers a cautionary reminder of how quickly a career can change once you’re off the starting grid.