NASCAR Cup Series veteran not expected to return full-time in 2025

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Midway through the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series, an uncommon driver switch occurred between two teams, as Justin Haley moved from Rick Ware Racing to Spire Motorsports. This move was surprising because earlier, Haley had expressed his intention to remain with Rick Ware’s team for the 2025 season.

Haley has been taken over by Corey LaJoie in the driver’s seat of the No. 51 Ford. However, it was announced that Haley will be a permanent driver for Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet not just for the remainder of the 2024 season but also for the entire 2025 season. In contrast, LaJoie’s position with Rick Ware Racing extends only through the end of the 2024 season.

After it was confirmed that Zane Smith will join Front Row Motorsports and drive the No. 38 Ford in 2025, Rick Ware Racing is now the only team with an open chartered position. However, according to Bob Pockrass from Fox Sports, they do not intend to retain LaJoie as the full-time driver for that spot.

Corey LaJoie not expected to compete full-time in 2025

Cody Ware, who raced for his father’s team occasionally last year and was once a full-time driver of the No. 51 Ford, is currently considered the front-runner to drive that car in 2025. He has been part of the team for some capacity in every season for the past eight years straight.

For the year 2025, Rick Ware Racing will only field one chartered team, having rented out the charter they previously used to operate the #15 Ford to RFK Racing. In the meantime, RFK Racing has expanded their fleet with the addition of the #60 Ford, joining their existing entries, the #6 Ford and the #17 Ford, making a total of three teams. The two teams have been in a technical partnership since 2023.

Despite predictions, the No. 15 Ford will likely continue operating on a partial schedule for the team, offering LaJoie an opportunity to participate in several Cup Series races during the year. With Front Row Motorsports announcing Smith as their driver, it’s confirmed that all 35 chartered cars in 2025 will have full-time drivers behind the wheel.

LaJoie has competed in the Cup Series for eight consecutive seasons going back to 2017.

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series kicks off on February 16 (Sunday) with the 67th annual Daytona 500, airing live on Fox from Daytona International Speedway starting at 2:30 PM Eastern Time.

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2025-01-09 16:02