Corey LaJoie Shows Regret for Giving Brutal ’12 Fans’ Brand on NASCAR Lower Series’

Corey LaJoie backtracked on his comments over the Truck Series following his deal for nine races with Spire Motorsports.

Corey LaJoie Shows Regret for Giving Brutal ’12 Fans’ Brand on NASCAR Lower Series’

Corey LaJoie (image via HHP)

NASCAR star Corey LaJoie became the target of criticism earlier this year for his comments on Xfinity and Truck Series. The 33-year-old now makes a complete U-turn on his statements right after making a deal with Spire Motorsports to compete in the Truck Series this year.

In January this year, Corey LaJoie was out of a full-time drive in the Cup Series. However, he decided to race part-time in the championship instead of taking up full-season opportunities in the lower tiers of the sport. LaJoie gave a bold reason for this decision. He claimed that he wanted to be a ‘Formula 1 driver’, not one who races in ‘F3,’ hinting that Xfinity and Truck Series were nothing more than a feeder series to the Cup according to him.

Additionally, LaJoie mocked the sport’s fanbase in the lower tiers. The 33-year-old declared that he had no intention to race on Saturdays for just ’12 fans’ in the grandstands, claiming that this would not be a commercial success for his sponsors either. Now, the NASCAR star seems to be biting his words.

Before his first Truck Series race for Spire Motorsports this year in Michigan, Corey LaJoie addressed his old comments. The 33-year-old admitted that it was one of the many stupid things he has said publicly during his career. Moreover, the Spire Motorsports driver lamented his comments over the lack of fans in the grandstands. LaJoie regretted his actions, which he said came at a time when he was ‘hangry.’

I’ve said a lot of dumb things on camera, so that was just another one … So just to clear context up for everybody, I said that on the morning of a five-day fast. I wish I wouldn’t have added that ’12 (fans)’ comment bit, right, because then people within the Truck garage took offense to it. Then … there’s so many things that it came out of, and it’s such a negative light for just a couple comments that I said when I was ‘hangry.’

Corey Lajoie said, as quoted by Motorsport.com.

Corey LaJoie taking Truck Series stint ‘seriously’

Spire Motorsports signed Corey LaJoie for nine of the last 13 races in the Truck Series. The 33-year-old will help the team in the battle for the owner’s championship. Despite his previous comments, he insisted that he was going to push himself to the limit.

Corey LaJoie
Corey LaJoie (image via Motorsport.com)

LaJoie recognized that there were several drivers who would love to get such an opportunity in the Truck Series. The 33-year-old was not going to take things lightly, and was going to show what he is capable of in the field. Corey LaJoie wants to prove his worth to NASCAR again, after having spent a decade in stock car racing. Ultimately, he aims to get back to the Cup Series full-time.

I try to run as much as I can. Especially, you know, there are hundreds, if not 1000s of kids/drivers that would love this nine-race opportunity … I’m going to take it seriously. This is my shot, and l’ve been making a living at this for 10 years. But I don’t want to just be an also-ran and not take it seriously and be in the way for somebody who might deserve it more than I do.

Corey LaJoie added.

The Truck Series might be a lower tier of NASCAR, but the competition remains intense. Drivers in the championship do not shy away from going wheel-to-wheel for victory. Corey LaJoie will certainly not have it easy when he joins in the field in Michigan.

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