Corey LaJoie joins Prime Video as analyst and will run partial Cup schedule for RWR

Corey LaJoie is entering a new chapter in his NASCAR career for the 2025 season, with multiple options available to him. Ultimately, he has chosen to pursue a limited Cup Series schedule with Rick Ware Racing (RWR), driving the No. 01 Ford. In addition to his driving duties, LaJoie is launching the Stacking Pennies Performance Brand and will serve as a race analyst for Prime Video’s coverage of five Cup Series races, starting with the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day Weekend.

LaJoie reflected on his decision, explaining that the opportunity with Amazon played a significant role in shaping his path. “When those guys were pursuing me…I felt like there were things materializing in my life…that allowed me to see there are other things I can do outside of being a full-time Cup driver,” he said. For much of his career, LaJoie’s singular focus had been on becoming a competitive, race-winning Cup Series driver. However, after a challenging 2024 season, he now sees a broader horizon.

LaJoie’s 2024 season took unexpected turns, including a mid-season team change when he moved from Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 car to RWR’s No. 51 Ford after Justin Haley was reassigned. Despite a strong start to the season with a career-best fourth-place finish in the Daytona 500, LaJoie faced a slump that included altercations with prominent drivers like Kyle Busch and Jimmie Johnson. Still, he rebounded late in the year with top-10 finishes at Darlington and Watkins Glen.

For 2025, LaJoie’s role at RWR reflects his willingness to step aside for team stability, as Cody Ware will drive full-time for the organization. LaJoie’s decision to not race a full schedule was further cemented after meeting with Amazon’s talent head. “With the Amazon guys knocking on my door…I was looking for ways to love [the sport] again,” he shared. Though he remains committed to NASCAR, LaJoie described his recent feelings as akin to a marriage, with ups and downs but always rooted in love for the sport.

In creating the Stacking Pennies Performance Brand, LaJoie is looking to redefine his identity. The brand, inspired by his popular podcast, mirrors the model of Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91, with a focus on merchandise, content, and branding. “It’s a proof of concept…how we want to treat our partners…and bringing people to the race track,” he explained. LaJoie is also set to drive the No. 01 Ford Mustang in the 2025 Daytona 500, a race in which he’s had top-10 finishes in three of the last five years, with sponsorship from DuraMAX and Take 5 Oil Change.

Despite the excitement for this new phase, LaJoie remains grounded. “It doesn’t surprise me that my career isn’t what I thought it was going to be…I’ve had to just play the cards that I was dealt,” he admitted. As he embarks on this unique season, LaJoie recognizes that challenges lie ahead, but he remains focused on embracing the journey. “The last three months have been like a faith walk. I’m not sure where the destination is going to be, but the short-term destination is going to be the Daytona 500 with an 01 Stacking Pennies Performance Ford Mustang.”