What’s Happening?

Recent comments from Spire Motorsports Co-Owner Jeff Dickerson on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio shed light on the nature of the team’s “breakup” with Corey Lajoie. While the two parties seemed positive, neither party commented much on the personal nature of the departure.

• Corey Lajoie is a second-generation NASCAR Cup Series veteran. Lajoie has raced for Spire Motorsports since 2021, the team’s first season fielding a full-time driver. The pair has managed four top-fives and six top-tens in 128 races.
• Jeff Dickerson and T.J. Puchyr own Spire Motorsports, which arose from the ashes of Furniture Row Racing. They bought and later sold FRR’s charter. The team has raced with a full-time lineup since 2023 and has had one win since beginning operations in 2019.
• On July 25, Spire said Lajoie would not return to the team in 2025. After four seasons with Spire, Lajoie has seen slight improvement; however, Spire appears ready to take another step with big signings for next season.

The State of Spire Motorsports

Spire Motorsports, which now runs three full-time cars and drivers, is having a disappointing 2024. The only bright spot is rookie Carson Hocevar, who is currently second in Rookie of the Year standings.

Drivers Zane Smith and Corey Lajoie have performed far from what some thought they would. Smith, technically a Trackhouse Racing driver, is currently the second-worst full-time driver in the Cup Series standings.

These performances have led to a flurry of moves by Spire to improve for the coming years.

Spire Motorsports began a monumental silly season by signing Front Row Motorsports cornerstone Michael McDowell to replace Smith. They also signed Cup Series Champion Crew Chief Rodney Childers and McDowell’s Crew Chief Travis Peterson.

Finally, in a tough decision, the team has parted ways with the driver on which it built its foundation.

So, how did it feel at first?

Most fans have treated this as a breakup, as would be the case with a pairing of driver and team so closely associated. While the numbers haven’t been what they could have been, the team had memorable runs and moments, like when they scored Chili’s as a sponsor this season.

Lajoie discussed his departure on July 31 during his podcast Stacking Pennies. This emotional episode highlighted Lajoie reflecting on his time with the team, his career, and what the future may look like for him.

However, while Lajoie appreciated his time at Spire, little was discussed about the personal nature of the breakup.

In Spire’s press release, the tone was grateful for what Corey had done for the young program.

“Corey LaJoie has been a cornerstone of Spire Motorsports since 2021 and it would be impossible to overstate what he’s meant to this organization and how much I’ve agonized over this decision.” — Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson

But it reinforced that it was time for a change of guard, with reliance on the split-up’s on-track performance aspect.

“Corey put his heart and soul into this team. He rolled up his sleeves and went to work before we had a race shop, a toolbox or even our own cars. Those days, looking back, were so much simpler than where we are in our journey now. Back then, we just wanted to get to the racetrack. Today, we’re consumed with consistently battling for top-10 finishes and contending for wins in the near future.” — Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson

The nature and focus of this comment made it sound like a pure business decision. However, Dickerson’s comments on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio added context to the thought process behind the breakup.

What did Dickerson say?

Dickerson illuminated the personal aspect of the breakup. Dickerson highly respected what Lajoie did behind the wheel of the No. 7 and had a deep relationship with the driver.

However, overanalyzing the team’s performance left Spire with what he called “struggling team syndrome.” This is apparent in the press release comments on the team’s performance.

It is almost as if Spire is approaching next year as a new team with a new mindset. Dickerson says in the interview, “I just thought a clean slate was better for next year.”

This tone connects the rapid pace of the team’s signings before next year, a chance to reorganize with a mix of young and veteran talent. While the team will look entirely different from what it did one season ago, this fresh start may be what a team like Spire needs.

Splitting a longtime team and driver can be challenging. Still, it can be necessary. For example, when Martin Truex Jr. left Earnhardt Ganassi Racing at the end of 2009, the team won the Daytona 500 in 2010, and Truex, though it took more time, found his footing and achieved greatness at Furniture Row Racing.

While the future is unsure for both the driver and the team, a reset is likely due for both.

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