NASCAR: 3 replacement candidates for Bubba Wallace in 2021
By Asher Fair
Possible 2021 Richard Petty Motorsports drivers: Corey LaJoie
Like Matt DiBenedetto did two years ago to net himself a ride with the Joe Gibbs Racing-affiliated Leavine Family Racing and then ultimately with the Team Penske-affiliated Wood Brothers Racing, Corey LaJoie gambled on himself earlier this summer.
He made the decision that his second season as the driver of the #32 Ford would be his final season at Go Fas Racing.
LaJoie has been linked to a few seats throughout the garage for next year, and there are still many solid seats left available.
The 29-year-old Concord, North Carolina native, who many believe is the most untapped talent in the field given the low-caliber teams for which he has driven since making his Cup Series debut in 2014, has had several solid showing during his two seasons competing for Archie St. Hilaire’s team, including three top eight finishes in superspeedway races and a 12th place finish in the Coca-Cola 600 last May.
But he is not seen as the frontrunner to land any of those open seats, and he may not be able to land the competitive boost he is looking for in terms of a full-time ride in 2021.
However, that gamble could still pay off. Richard Petty Motorsports have made some competitive strides this season with Wallace behind the wheel of the #43 Chevrolet, and LaJoie could very well be the guy to keep that momentum going into 2021. This could also be a way to boost his resume for a future top-tier ride.