Corey LaJoie & Justin Haley to Swap Seats Starting at Kansas

Spire Motorsports and Rick Ware Racing announced Friday (Sept. 20) that they will trade drivers Corey LaJoie and Justin Haley after the conclusion of Saturday’s Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway 

LaJoie, who announced his departure from Spire in July, will drive the No. 51 Ford for Rick Ware Racing after spending 4 years with the No. 7 team. Haley will drive the No. 7 car for Spire after spending less than a year with Rick Ware Racing.

LaJoie currently sits 28th in the up standings with one top-five finish on the season. He previously drove full-time for Go Fas Racing before joining Spire in 2021.

“Corey LaJoie has been a cornerstone of Spire Motorsports and we’re incredibly appreciative of all the time, effort and energy he has invested in our program. RWR is getting a workhorse in Corey. He’s dedicated to his craft and his tenacity brings out the best in those around him,” said Jeff Dickerson, co-owner, Spire Motorsports. 

Haley has performed well in his first season with Rick Ware racing; he currently has two top 10s on the year and has posted a better average finish than seen from the No. 51 car in previous years. He drove full-time for Kaulig in 2022 and 2023 and contested the majority of the 2021 season for Spire as well as taking his lone Cup Series win in Spire’s No. 77 car at the summer Daytona race in 2019.

“Justin Haley is a very talented driver who has done a lot to help elevate RWR” said Rick Ware Racing President Robby Benton. “We didn’t want to compromise his growth or our own. In our talks with Justin following the break, we agreed to release him from his contract from RWR.”

“Obviously, we needed a plan to maintain the momentum we’ve gained this year, and Corey Lajoie joining RWR allows us the opportunity to move forward These seven races provide a unique and unconventional opportunity to work together now and elevate what we may be able to accomplish together moving forward.”