By Luis Torres, Staff Writer
Atlanta Motor Speedway has become a NASCAR Cup Series venue Corey LaJoie can shine on a regular basis.
Since the 1.5-mile circuit became a superspeedway last year, the Spire Motorsports driver has become a frequent contender for strong results. More so, being in the hunt for the win when it mattered most.
Although LaJoie’s No. 7 Celsius Chevrolet Camaro didn’t lead a single lap compared to 19 laps last summer when he was two laps away from victory, he improved his career-best Cup result of fifth last March by a single position.
Therefore, Sunday’s Ambetter Health 400 continued his best season start of his career as he left Atlanta 14th in points.
Jokingly, LaJoie posted a video on social media before the race that his chances of capturing the elusive Cup win increased for one reason. The reason was that he didn’t have to deal with Chase Elliott, who remains out due to a fractured tibia.
Last July, it was Elliott who blocked LaJoie’s run for the win which created a multi-car accident on the final lap, relegating LaJoie to a heartbreaking 22nd place finish.
A year later, such moment is banter chat between LaJoie and Elliott.
Once the 260-lap contest progressed, the race became a Ford fest with Joey Logano dominating much of the afternoon. LaJoie would make his move coming to the white flag as he was running in sixth, sandwiched between Logano and Tyler Reddick.
LaJoie would duck below Logano on the bottom and began working together in order to dethrone leader Brad Keselowski. Once Keselowski blocked Logano, the latter moved up a lane while LaJoie stayed on the bottom and drafted with Keselowski.
However, a huge draft by Christopher Bell propelled Logano out front on the backstretch, sealing the deal for the two-time Cup Series champion. All LaJoie can do was see another Atlanta win slip away as he eked out Reddick for fourth.
“I hope (Logano) gives me a shout-out for pushing him,” said LaJoie after the race. “I gave him a good shot there at the end. I was probably fourth or fifth in the top lane there. I had an opportunity to get down and as soon as I didn’t take it, I was like – man that was the race.
“That was probably with 18 or 20 to go. That’s why these guys make millions of dollars. They’re pretty good and know where to put their car. Fourth-place is a solid day for the No. 7 Celsius Chevy team.”
Already after three races under the new…
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