Corey LaJoie’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster. After a heartbreaking Daytona 500 crash, he was “a mile away” from a breakthrough. Joining RWR and taking on dual roles as driver and sponsorship liaison amid a legal storm with disappointing finishes and fan criticism, some mocked his aggressive style or bizarre social media requests.
Yet, LaJoie’s passion shines. His Bristol race, backed by Schluter Systems, was a highlight, with LaJoie calling the car’s scheme his “favorite yet.” Yet, these moments of joy are overshadowed by a chilling incident that exposed NASCAR’s safety gaps, and it’s what LaJoie is drawing attention to.
Now Corey LaJoie is no stranger to hard racing. He‘s led more than 200 laps, flashing brilliance at times. In the Xfinity Series, he‘s competed in 68 events, posting 2 top-5s and 7 top-10s. His ARCA victory at Watkins Glen in 2023 is a testament to his versatility. These statistics highlight a driver who makes the most of limited means, and his safety issues are thus all the more tragic.
He recently witnessed a devastating crash involving young driver London McKenzie. His raw, emotional reaction captured the gravity of the moment: “Practice for the ARCA cars is when somebody’s going to find out that their right front deflection may or may not have made contact with the sway bar arm. Unfortunately for London McKenzie, he found out the hard way, middle of three and four, wide open in the gap, low right front. Guys, that’s, if you’re watching, that’s one of the hardest hits I’ve seen in a long time. We can also say that he is doing fine. I’m sure he’s sore. Let’s watch it again, too, so I can make my stomach turn again. Oh, ouch. That hurts real bad. He hit the fence going at least 130 miles an hour, guys. And people take it for granted, like, oh, he gets out. He’s fine. But that is a large car accident, ladies and gentlemen. So I’m glad London’s okay. Holy Mackerel that is a large, large crash.”
November 2, 2024, Ridgeway, Va, USA: NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series driver, COREY LAJOIE 51 of Concord, NC, prepares to practice for the Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway in Ridgeway, VA. Ridgeway USA – ZUMAa161 20241102_aaa_a161_068 Copyright: xWalterxG.xArcexSr.x
McKenzie’s crash wasn’t an isolated event. Fans and drivers are increasingly vocal about NASCAR’s safety shortcomings. Rumors of a “controversial wrecker” returning at Talladega in 2025 fueled fears. Recent pit road incidents, including chaotic stops, prompted NASCAR to allow pit stops in another car’s stall for safety, but critics argue it’s a Band-Aid fix.
LaJoie’s reaction to McKenzie’s crash hits hard because he knows the stakes. As a driver who’s faced wrecks—like his 2025 Atlanta crash with Chase Elliott—he understands the physical and emotional toll. For LaJoie, who’s fought for every opportunity in a sport dominated by big teams, seeing a young driver endure such a hit while NASCAR delays meaningful safety reforms is infuriating. Fans echo his frustration, with one X user pleading, “Protect our drivers. No more excuses.”
As LaJoie pushes through 2025, balancing racing and sponsorship duties, McKenzie’s crash remains a haunting reminder. NASCAR’s safety issues aren’t just technical—they’re deeply personal. For LaJoie, every race is a gamble, and he’s begging the sport to prioritize lives over spectacle.
Lajoie’s legacy gets nod with Hall of Fame nomination
Randy LaJoie’s name on the NASCAR Hall of Fame ballot feels like a long-overdue nod to a guy who poured his heart into racing. A two-time Busch Series champion in 1996 and 1997, LaJoie’s gritty determination and 15 career wins make him a standout. Growing up in Norwalk, Connecticut, he wasn’t from NASCAR’s heartland, yet he carved his path with pure passion. His nickname, “Racin’ Randy,” says it all—he lived for the track.
“I’d say 99.7% of short track drivers don’t pay enough attention to safety. Honestly, I didn’t pay as much attention to safety as I should have until we lost Dale Earnhardt. It’s too bad it took his passing, as well as five or six others in the top NASCAR levels, but we now realize we don’t want any more injuries or deaths in race cars.” said LaJoie recalling his career. LaJoie’s journey wasn’t easy. He raced against legends, often in underfunded cars, but his talent shone through. Fans still chant his name, proof of his lasting impact.
This nomination, alongside names like Kurt Busch, places LaJoie among 15 modern-era hopefuls for the 2026 class. Only two will make it, but LaJoie’s legacy is secure. He also founded Joie of Seating, designing safer seats for racers—a testament to his love for the sport’s future.
As voting looms, LaJoie’s story reminds us why we love NASCAR: heart, hustle, and heroes like Randy. Here’s hoping “Racin’ Randy” gets his spot in Charlotte.
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