Corey LaJoie recently discussed how his position as a racing analyst for Amazon Prime Video has significantly influenced his approach to competing. After stepping back from a full-time Cup Series schedule, LaJoie embraced the analyst role, which profoundly shifted his mindset as a driver.
Following the conclusion of his full-time Cup Series career last year, LaJoie decided to compete part-time for Rick Ware Racing, piloting the #01 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. At the same time, he also committed to the Truck Series, driving the #07 Chevrolet Silverado for Spire Motorsports. This change allowed him to lessen the intense pressures of full-time competition.
During this period, LaJoie joined Prime Video as a NASCAR analyst. The network, owned by Jeff Bezos, secured broadcasting rights for five Cup Series races starting in 2025. LaJoie’s extensive experience behind the wheel made the transition to a broadcasting role relatively smooth.
He revealed that analyzing races from a broadcaster’s vantage point transformed how he views competition. Reflecting on his time in front of the camera, LaJoie said:
“What I realized these last five weeks during my time on Prime, I’m intently watching the race, but I’m really only focused on three guys’ races. The other guys who are there grinding away, unless they somehow factor into the main storylines of the race, they’re not top of mind.”
This role gave him a clearer perspective on racing pressures, helping him realize he had previously placed excessive pressure on himself during competition.
“Before this opportunity to see the race from a TV perspective, I would feel like if I wasn’t running well, then I was letting a lot of people down. I think that I cared too much, and I would hold the outcome too tightly, as opposed to just enjoying it when I was doing it,” he further added.
LaJoie served as an analyst alongside established NASCAR commentators such as Dale Earnhardt Jr., Carl Edwards, Danielle Trotta, Steve Letarte, and Adam Alexander during his broadcasts for Prime Video.
Reviewing Corey LaJoie’s Journey in NASCAR Competition
Corey LaJoie has built a recognizable career in NASCAR over recent years. Beginning with the ARCA Menards Series, he made steady progress before entering the Xfinity Series in 2013. Over four seasons there, LaJoie competed in 22 races and earned two Top-10 finishes.
His advancement continued into both the Cup and Truck Series starting in 2014. In the Truck Series, he appeared in six races across four years, securing two Top-10s. Meanwhile, in the Cup Series, LaJoie has taken the green flag 275 times over more than a decade, accumulating 11 finishes in the Top 10.
LaJoie’s roots run deep in NASCAR, given his family background. He is the son of Randy LaJoie, a two-time NASCAR Busch (now Xfinity) Series champion. Over his career, Corey has been affiliated with multiple teams, including stints as a development driver for Richard Petty Motorsports and JGL Racing.
Impact of LaJoie’s Analyst Role on His Future in Racing
Corey LaJoie’s experience as a racing analyst has given him a fresh perspective on the sport he has competed in for years. Observing races with a broadcaster’s focus allowed him to understand the importance of maintaining composure and managing pressure. This new viewpoint seems likely to influence how he approaches racing going forward, especially as he balances part-time competition with broadcasting duties.
His ability to separate from overly burdensome expectations may lead to a more adaptive and relaxed racing style. As Prime Video expands its NASCAR coverage starting in 2025, LaJoie’s dual experience as both competitor and analyst positions him uniquely within the sport’s evolving landscape.