Corey Lajoie’s Morning Stop
On Friday morning, Corey Lajoie visited one of his favorite coffee shops as he headed to Rockingham Speedway.
A Conversation That Resonated
While waiting for his coffee, he had a conversation that reflected his mindset as he prepares for new opportunities in the Craftsman Truck Series with RAM and Kaulig Racing. “I was just chatting while waiting for my coffee,” Lajoie explained to Motorsport.com. “When the barista noticed my shirt and asked if I worked for a RAM dealership, I responded, ‘kind of,’ and explained that I work for RAM in NASCAR.”
Embracing a New Role
Lajoie expressed enthusiasm about his new position following the separation of Kaulig, RAM, and Daniel Dye. He immediately agreed to join the team, saying, “It was a quick yes—but not for the reasons you might assume.” He noted that he has missed having a goal to strive for, explaining, “I enjoy the pressure and the internal challenges that come with being part of a team.” This reflects the need for someone like him in the current RAM project.
The Journey Ahead
This project is essentially a DIY effort in NASCAR, being just four races old and lacking operational simulations for now. RAM and Kaulig required someone knowledgeable about steering the program in the right direction, which Lajoie has experience doing at Spire.
Lessons from the Past
Lajoie acknowledged that his career path hasn’t been glamorous; he has often chosen to work with teams facing disadvantages. He mentioned how he had helped elevate the organization at Spire, only to feel disheartened when changes occurred. “It was a tough transition when everything seemed to be falling into place,” he shared.
A Shift in Perspective
Reflecting on his past comments about not wanting to participate in the Truck Series, Lajoie admitted he wasn’t in the right mental state. “I felt defensive and focused on securing my position in the Cup Series,” he said. However, he now values the community and camaraderie within the racing team, stating that this new role has shifted his focus toward mentoring teammates like Brenden Queen and Mini Tyrrell.
Looking to the Future
Lajoie recognizes the potential for RAM’s return to the Cup Series and sees this as a chance to achieve what he couldn’t accomplish at Spire. “Ultimately, I have to win,” he said. He believes the RAM and Kaulig program should aim for consistent top-10 finishes as they advance towards the Championship Chase. With a renewed sense of purpose, Lajoie expressed excitement about being a race car driver once more, stating, “Even if things don’t go perfectly, I’m just thrilled to be doing what I love.”
