Corey LaJoie and Justin Haley will swap teams starting next week at Kansas Speedway, as announced by Spire Motorsports and Rick Ware Racing. LaJoie, 32, will take the No. 51 car for Rick Ware, while Haley, 25, will pilot the No. 7 for Spire.
Jeff Dickerson, co-owner of Spire Motorsports, confirmed that Haley will continue with the No. 7 car next season, with Rodney Childers stepping in as his crew chief. Robby Benton, president of Rick Ware Racing, noted that this agreement materialized quickly, within the last 36 hours. The remaining races will serve as a trial period to assess LaJoie’s performance in the No. 51, which will help determine his future with the team.
Haley, who has been with Rick Ware Racing for his first season, has gained attention for his strong showings, achieving two top-10 finishes and 11 in the top 20. Earlier this season, Spire Motorsports announced LaJoie would not return next year, having been with the team since 2021.
Benton praised Haley’s contributions to Rick Ware Racing, stating, “Justin is a very talented driver who has significantly elevated our organization. He approached us during the Olympic break with a long-term opportunity that would benefit his career, and we supported his decision. He played a crucial role in our growth, and we didn’t want to hinder either his or our progress.”
He emphasized the importance of this switch, explaining, “This partnership with LaJoie allows us to maintain momentum and explore our potential together over the next seven races. Corey shares our ambition to succeed in the NASCAR Cup Series, and we align on that goal.”
Dickerson expressed gratitude for LaJoie’s contributions to Spire Motorsports, describing him as a foundational element of the team. He commended LaJoie’s dedication and work ethic, which he believes will inspire those around him at Rick Ware.
Reflecting on Haley’s career, Dickerson remarked on their longstanding relationship and the significant impact of Haley’s Daytona win, which marked a turning point for both the driver and the organization. He acknowledged that while both parties have evolved since then, reuniting now instead of waiting until 2025 presents a strategic advantage, allowing them to establish a solid foundation before the upcoming season.