What happens when a driver has to do more than just race? For Corey LaJoie, competing with a mid-tier team means more than just Sunday performances. Since joining RWR in September 2024, he has worked to secure sponsorship and strengthen the No. 51 team. Unlike top-tier organizations with stable financial backing, RWR relies on drivers to play an active role in securing funding. LaJoie isn’t just a driver—he’s a dealmaker, strategist, and advocate, navigating sponsorship uncertainty while chasing results. But this isn’t a new challenge for him.LaJoie has battled inconsistent sponsorship, racing for underfunded teams while proving his worth through grit. His fourth-place finish in the 2024 Daytona 500 was a statement, showing that he could compete at the front with the right equipment. But sustaining that momentum requires resources—something not guaranteed in the world of mid-tier NASCAR teams. As LaJoie continues his first season running a full schedule of part-time races with RWR, he understands that success isn’t just about speed; it’s about keeping the team financially stable. Now, every result matters—not just for points but for proving to potential partners that he and RWR are worth the investment.Speed isn’t enough—LaJoie’s fight to keep racing alive“I think collectively between Rick and I, there’s a balance between having my car be an asset towards what the 51s are trying to do without bogging the shop down,” LaJoie explained. His words reflect the behind-the-scenes complexities of running a competitive team while managing limited resources. The 2025 Daytona 500 was another testament to LaJoie’s ability to run at the front despite budget constraints. He led with eight laps to go but got shuffled out. He still secured a top-10 finish, proving his talent with the right equipment.“Certainly helps—anytime you can run good and contend for wins, that gets your existing partners fired up,” Corey LaJoie said. “Also, it allows you to put together some cool marketing decks with ‘0-1 lead in the field at the 500’ to try and sell a couple more.” For LaJoie, sponsorship isn’t just about putting logos on a car; it’s about storytelling. His late-race Daytona charge became a selling point—a way to show potential backers that he can deliver results. “We’re having some really good conversations with partners, and we want to make sure we’re choosing and picking the right races to go,” he emphasized. His comments show mid-tier realities—success needs speed, funding, and smart race choices.LaJoie is no stranger to sponsorship challenges. He has actively pursued opportunities, securing sponsors like Built Bar and Celsius through persistence and strategic relationships. In 2017, while driving for the underfunded BK Racing team, he barely made it into the Daytona 500 field. With no drafting experience at superspeedways, he turned to seven-time champion Jimmie Johnson for guidance. “I didn’t tell him I had zero drafting experience,” LaJoie admitted, knowing that his best chance was to learn on the fly. That kind of resourcefulness has defined his career.Corey LaJoie led laps at the Daytona 500. Will that help attract more funding for him to potentially get more than the eight planned Cup races for Rick Ware Racing? @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/MiHGqZ4nsO— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 23, 2025At Go Fas Racing, LaJoie faced financial struggles. A major sponsor went bankrupt mid-season, leaving his car unsponsored. Still, he earned multiple top-20 and top-15 finishes.“It’s always about making the most of what you’ve got,” he once said about competing with limited resources. That mindset continues to drive him today at RWR.LaJoie understands that not every race presents an equal opportunity to succeed. He and his team are targeting tracks where they can be competitive. “We want to pick and choose the races that are an asset, but also something we feel like we can go contend with—whether it’s Darlington or Martinsville,” he said. These tracks suit his aggressive driving style and provide a better chance of maximizing results. Superspeedway races are about survival. Tracks like Darlington and Martinsville put more control in the driver’s hands. “It’s really about where we can put ourselves in a position to compete, not just show up,” Corey LaJoie added.His strong Daytona 500 run boosted both his confidence and marketability. He remains optimistic about the future. His move to RWR is about control, securing the right partners, and proving he can compete at the top. As the 2025 season unfolds, LaJoie’s determination remains unchanged. He fights for sponsorship, chases strong finishes, and maximizes every opportunity—just as always.New partnership powers AirMedCare Network onto Corey LaJoie’s No. 01 FordAirMedCare Network partnered with Rick Ware Racing (RWR), debuting as a primary NASCAR sponsor. Corey LaJoie’s No. 01 Ford Mustang Dark Horse featured its branding at the Ambetter Health 400. Matt Muse, Vice President of Membership Sales for AirMedCare Network, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating, “Corey has been a great advocate for our air ambulance membership program, and we’re thrilled to take this partnership to the next level.”LaJoie, who has worked with AirMedCare Network in the past, expressed his excitement about their increased involvement. “They’ve been a NASCAR partner for several years, and we’ve been working with them to help grow their membership, to have them step up as a primary sponsor for the first time at Atlanta is special,” he said. For LaJoie, the sponsorship builds key relationships and keeps his team competitive.Atlanta Motor Speedway is a track where Corey LaJoie has found success since its reconfiguration in 2022. He has four top-15 finishes in six starts, including a career-best fourth-place run in the 2023 Ambetter Health 400. Reflecting on the challenge, he described it as “one of the most mentally and physically exhausting” races on the schedule, citing the steep banking and tight pack racing. With Daytona momentum and a new sponsor, LaJoie aims to build on past Atlanta success and strengthen his Cup Series standing.The post Small Team Syndrome From Owner Forces Corey LaJoie to Take On Responsibilities Amidst Sponsor Scare appeared first on EssentiallySports.