LaJoie out at Spire

Corey LaJoie has been a regular in the NASCAR Cup Series, but his performance metrics reveal significant struggles. With a success rate of just 35% in the NextGen era on non-drafting ovals, LaJoie has consistently underperformed compared to his peers.

LaJoie's low success rate highlights his inability to finish better than expected for his starting position. Drivers like Erik Jones and Justin Haley, who start in similar spots, have significantly higher success rates of 55% and 52%, respectively. Even Harrison Burton, who has struggled mightily in the Cup Series, has a better rate at 39%.

Feature update: Success rate

An increasingly popular stat in the NFL is success rate. From Pro Football Reference: Success Rate starts with the idea that not all plays in football have the same objective. On first and 10, a two-yard run would be considered a bad result; on third and one, that same two-yard

Lap Raptor CommentaryJustin Barber

Spire Motorsports has decided to replace LaJoie with Michael McDowell. McDowell, though a neutral performer, represents an improvement over LaJoie. This decision, however, suggests that Spire is not making ambitious enough choices to elevate their competitive standing: they should be recruiting plus drivers; perhaps unaffiliated ones from the lower series. The hire of McDowell, a driver who hasn't shown significant ability to outperform his equipment, reflects a conservative approach rather than a bold move.

LaJoie's future in the Cup Series looks uncertain. His best option may be the Xfinity Series, where his numbers and marketability will play better.