(Press Release from Rob Fuller Motorsports)
Corey LaJoie
Rob Fuller Motorsports is excited to announce Corey LaJoie as the driver of the No. 15 15-40 Connection modified Chevrolet. LaJoie and the team will run seven races in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour (NWMT) this season.
LaJoie has plenty of experience in multiple racing series, including previous runs in the NWMT and Sprint Cup. He has made additional starts in NASCAR’s XFINITY and Camping World Truck Series. LaJoie also competed in NASCAR’s K&N Pro Series East where he racked up five wins, 17 Top-5 and 20 Top-10 finishes.
“Corey is a talented race car driver that has been involved in other areas of our organization as well,” said team owner Rob Fuller. “He took the time to attend the Race Season Kick Off Party and met some of the team at 15-40 Connection, before Todd made his announcement, and it means a lot to me personally when a driver really shows interest in what we have going on internally and takes the time to support our cause.”
LaJoie is filling the seat left vacant by Todd Szegedy, 2003 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Champion, who moved on to a full time ride this season.
“I’m glad we were able to work with Todd last year and provide him top level equipment that allowed him to race up front and secure Top-5 finishes,” said Fuller. “It was our goal to have him drive the LFR Chassis and give us the feedback that a true race car driver could, while showing the racing world he belongs in a full time ride. I believe we accomplished both goals and I wish him much success.”
“Our focus is now shifted to getting Corey in the LFR car and continue spreading the importance of early cancer detection by running up front in the NASCAR Modified Tour in 2015,” continued Fuller. “We will have a second car that we will run (#40) to continue the development of the LFR Chassis and insure we are providing the LFR customers with the most advanced product available.”
LaJoie has six starts across the two NASCAR modified series with a victory in 2010 at Atlanta in the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour. He has experience racing modifieds at Atlanta, Caraway, Bristol and Stafford.
“It was great to meet Mr. Coghlin and learn more about 15-40 Connection’s mission and outreach to young adults,” continued LaJoie. “I’m excited to represent this group and continue to spread the message about the benefits of early cancer detection to race fans throughout the season.”
The LaJoie family has strong ties to modified racing. Don LaJoie, Corey’s grandfather, is in the New England Auto Racing Hall of Fame and is the five-time track champion at Danbury Speedway. His father, Randy, followed his footsteps before moving south to compete in NASCAR.
“I really like modified racing because it seems like the harder you drive the faster you go,” said LaJoie. “Racing in the higher levels, such as Nationwide and Cup Series, in those cars you’re kind of stuck with what you’ve got. In modifieds you can move around and find some speed – especially at short track racing. I’m excited to do that. It puts the racing in the driver’s hands.”
In addition to the NWMT events, LaJoie is taking on an extended role at LFR Chassis.
“Corey will be our house driver at LFR Chassis and compete in modifieds as well as Super Late Model events throughout the year,” Fuller stated. “His constant presence at the Mooresville N.C. shop will be beneficial for our chassis development, customers, and other in house drivers for our developmental race teams. We’re really looking forward to this partnership in 2015.”
“This role really suits me right now,” said LaJoie. “At the higher levels, you’re really relying on other people’s money instead of your driving ability. I’m excited to get back to short tracks, modifieds and supers. This year, I’ll be racing a handful of tracks I’ve always wanted to race at, but just haven’t yet.”
This season marks the third year Rob Fuller Motorsports and 15-40 Connection have teamed up to empower the lifesaving advantage of early cancer detection. Together they are starting a new cancer conversation that begins with a simple, yet powerful question “Would you recognize a cancer symptom?” to the forefront of public discussion.
Congratulations!!!!
Good choice, makes sence to me
was told the choice was not to be made til monday ….guess that’s racing in today’s world …good luck to corey heard he’s a real nice kid and a hard worker wish him the best ….all i can say about the rest is buyer beware
@modracer, what do you mean by :buyer beware”?