Leading Contenders to Succeed Corey LaJoie at Spire Motorsports

Corey LaJoie's declaration that he will not be returning to Spire Motorsports in 2025 has opened up a highly sought-after seat, especially with the team's No. 7 car showing improvement under the leadership of legendary crew chief Rodney Childers.

Here are the top contenders to take over LaJoie's spot in Spire's flagship car:

JUSTIN HALEY

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Haley secured the team's only Cup Series victory to date - a race shortened by rain at Daytona in July of 2019 - and drove for Chevrolet from 2018 to 2023. While Haley has expressed interest in staying with Rick Ware Racing and helping build their Cup Series program, the opportunity to return to the team where he found success and work with Childers may be too good to pass up.

SAM MAYER

Similar to Haley, Mayer is a young driver who has spent most of his NASCAR career under the Chevy banner. He has six NASCAR Xfinity Series wins over the past two seasons and has shown great potential. Pairing a young talent with an experienced crew chief is not a guaranteed success, but it could be a beneficial combination to have an explosive young driver with a seasoned veteran leading the team.

CONNOR ZILISCH

At just 18 years old, Zilisch has only one Truck Series start under his belt, but he is undoubtedly one of the most exciting prospects in NASCAR. Zilisch has a winning record in almost every series he has competed in and has the potential to become a Cup Series champion if placed in the right situation. While it may be wise for him to spend a season or two in the Xfinity Series, he could still thrive in the Cup Series with the right team.

CHRISTIAN ECKES

Along with Toyota prospect Corey Heim, Eckes is one of the top contenders in the Truck Series. He currently has three wins, nine top-5s, and 14 top-10s in the first 15 races of the season and is on track to win the regular-season championship. At 23 years old, Eckes has shown maturity beyond his years and has a promising future in NASCAR, regardless of the outcome of the 2024 Truck Series season. If given the opportunity at Spire, he has the potential to build a successful career.

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RAJAH CARUTH

Caruth may not have the same level of experience or accolades as other candidates on this list, but he has proven to be a championship contender in just his second Truck Series season. His first Truck Series win at Las Vegas was an impressive display of skill, and as he currently drives for Spire in the Truck Series, those within the organization are already aware of his talents.

KYLE BUSCH

Busch may be the most unconventional candidate to replace LaJoie - Fox Sports' Bob Pockrass predicts that he will remain with Richard Childress Racing for 2025 - but Spire has shown that they are willing to make big moves if they believe it will benefit the team. Pairing one of the greatest drivers of all time with one of the top crew chiefs of all time may seem like a far-fetched idea, but if Busch were to leave a struggling RCR, the final years of his career could be even more successful.

--Samuel Stubbs, Field Level Media