Spire Motorsports announced a significant change to its NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series roster on August 11, confirming that Corey LaJoie will drive the No. 77 truck starting at Richmond Raceway. Meanwhile, Andrés Pérez de Lara will leave the team and move to Niece Motorsports for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Andrés Pérez de Lara, a 20-year-old rookie from Mexico City, had been competing under Chevrolet’s driver development program. Over 17 starts this year, he earned two top-10 finishes and is positioned 17th in the Truck Series points standings ahead of the Richmond race. His departure from Spire Motorsports keeps him active in full-time Truck Series competition as he joins Niece Motorsports to pilot the No. 44 truck.
Spire Motorsports Reflects on Andrés Pérez de Lara’s Growth and Future Path
Team President Bill Anthony spoke on the decision to release Pérez de Lara, noting the young driver’s progress and the team’s plans for the future. While Spire Motorsports has yet to finalize its 2026 strategy for the No. 77 truck, allowing Pérez de Lara to explore new opportunities was a priority.
“Andrés has made meaningful progress this season, and we remain confident in his future. While we haven’t finalized our 2026 plans for the No. 77 team, we wanted to give him the opportunity to look ahead and pursue other options for the remainder of this year and beyond,” Anthony said.
“He’s a hard worker, carries himself with humility, and brings a consistently positive attitude to the garage. He comes from a great family, and we fully expect him to continue making strides as part of Chevrolet’s driver development program. We’re proud to have been part of his journey and will continue cheering him on,” he added.
Corey LaJoie Returns to Spire Motorsports Amid Team Restructuring
Corey LaJoie’s addition marks a return to Spire Motorsports, where he previously drove from 2021 until a mid-season driver swap in 2024. The 32-year-old had been racing sporadically this year, including running in the Daytona 500 with Rick Ware Racing’s No. 01 Ford Mustang and serving as a commentator for Prime Video’s NASCAR Cup broadcasts.
LaJoie was scheduled to drive the No. 07 Chevrolet Silverado for the final eight races of the Truck Series this season, but with the recent lineup changes at Spire, he now shifts to the No. 77 truck to continue his season.
Discontinuation of No. 07 Truck and Points Transfer Impacts Team Structure
In addition to driver changes, Spire Motorsports has retired the No. 07 truck for the remainder of the season. The team has transferred the owner points from the No. 07 to the No. 77 truck, consolidating their efforts around that entry.
The No. 07 truck had been driven part-time by several notable competitors, including Michael McDowell, who started the season at Daytona, and others such as Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Kyle Busch, who each made appearances later in the year.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Spire Motorsports and the Truck Series
This shuffle not only signals Spire Motorsports’ strategic pivot in driver and truck entries but also emphasizes the dynamic nature of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series lineup heading into next year. Corey LaJoie’s return brings experience back to the No. 77 team, while Andrés Pérez de Lara’s move to Niece Motorsports ensures his continued development in full-time competition.
As the season continues, the adjustments made by Spire Motorsports may impact their competitiveness and set the stage for new opportunities in 2026, as the team decides on its long-term plans for the No. 77 truck and its driver lineup.