Seeing trades happen in most top level team sports is hardly uncommon. But it’s not something typically seen in NASCAR.
It happened Friday though.
Representatives of Spire Motorsports and Rick Ware Racing announced a driver swap on Friday that will take place following Saturday’s NASCAR Cup Series event at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Corey LaJoie will move from the Spire Motorsports Cup Series ride to the Rick Ware Racing Cup Series ride. Justin Haley will go from Rick Ware Racing to Spire.
It had been announced earlier this season that LaJoie would not return to the Spire Motorsports ride for the 2025 season.
LaJoie and Haley will drive for their current teams for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race on Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway and then swap rides for the remainder of the 2024 Cup Series season beginning with the Hollywood Casino 400 next week at Kansas Speedway.
It marks a reunion for Haley, who began his Cup Series career driving for Spire Motorsports and won the 2019 Coke Zero Sugar 400 for the team at Daytona International Speedway in his third series start in 2019.
“Justin Haley is a very talented driver who has done a lot to help elevate RWR,” said Robby Benton, president of Rick Ware Racing. “Justin came to us over the Olympic break with a longer-term opportunity that would serve his career well. We were sympathetic to his desires, as Justin committed to RWR early last year and has since played a key role in the growth of our organization. We didn’t want to compromise his growth or our own. In our talks with Justin following the break, we agreed to release him from his contract with RWR.
“Obviously, we needed a new plan to maintain the momentum we’ve gained this year, and Corey LaJoie joining RWR allows us to keep moving forward. These seven races provide a unique and unconventional opportunity to work together now and evaluate what we may be able to accomplish together going forward. Corey wants to continue his path toward winning in the NASCAR Cup Series, and so do we. We’re like-minded in that pursuit.”
LaJoie heads to Rick Ware Racing after spending the last four seasons at the Cup Series level with Spire Motorsports.
“Corey LaJoie has been a cornerstone of Spire Motorsports and we’re incredibly appreciative of all the time, effort and energy he has invested in our program,” said Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson. “RWR is getting a workhorse in Corey. He’s dedicated to his craft and his tenacity brings out the best in those around him.
“We’ve known Justin Haley for many years and have been bullish on his talent from the beginning of his NASCAR career. Justin, and his win at Daytona, put us both on the map. It was a pivotal moment for his career and our organization. We’ve both grown since that day, as Justin has proven his talent in the Cup garage and he comes back to an organization that is very different from the one he left a few years ago. Getting back together now, rather than waiting until 2025, gives us an excellent opportunity to build a baseline and be a step ahead when we get to Daytona next February.”
The 32-year old LaJoie is the son of Norwalk native and former NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Randy LaJoie. He is the grandson of Northeast Modified racing legend Don LaJoie.
I assume Corey has a big backing and money behind him. He’s been terrible this year and costs his own and other teams thousands of dollars with his wreckless driving. I don’t understand. RWR had a building block in Haley and well he’s gone. It’s about money I guess. 16\31 learned the hard way going that route.
Kind of a surprise to me. I thought Corey would just be gone at season’s end. Even though its RWR, he’s lucky to get that imo.
Haley will have a great crew chief in Childers next year. Kid can drive, we’ll see what happens.