NASCAR has denied Kaulig Racing driver Corey LaJoie a Chase waiver for the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season, raising questions about their reasoning following past decisions about waivers.
Following Daniel Dye’s resignation from Kaulig Racing, the team turned to veteran Corey LaJoie to drive their No. 10 for the remainder of the 2026 season.
While LaJoie was not full-time in the Truck Series prior to his signing, he had competed in two of the series’ first four races of the 2026 season. This made it possible that, if he were to have a high level of success in the No. 10, he could make the Truck Series Chase this season.
Unfortunately, this will not be the case, as LaJoie, having not met the requirement of starting all races in a season, will not receive a waiver from NASCAR to compete in the Truck Series Chase.
Prior to confirmation from Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports, the most recent update on LaJoie’s status came in early April, with Kaulig CEO Chris Rice telling SiriusXM that they had filed for the waiver on April 1.
While LaJoie will not get his chance to run for a title, fans are already questioning NASCAR’s decision, citing the 2020 season in which Matt Kenseth took over for Kyle Larson (who left Chip Ganassi Racing under similar circumstances as Dye), after missing the first four races of the season.
In his case, LaJoie, having missed just two races this season, is a strong candidate to receive a waiver, but he is now the first driver in a NASCAR National Series since Grant Enfinger in 2021 to be denied a waiver.
LaJoie currently sits 22nd in points after this past weekend’s race at Dover. Still, the Chase is not entirely off the table for Kaulig’s No. 10, as the truck rides 17th in owners’ points.
Stay close to the on-track action this weekend and every weekend by following our Race Weekend Dashboard for everything you need to know before, during, and after the race. Share your thoughts by joining the discussion on Discord or X, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for further updates.
