Fuel and Tire Gamble Pays Off for Corey LaJoie at South Point 400

In a thrilling race at the South Point 400 in Las Vegas, Corey LaJoie and his Rick Ware Racing team executed a bold fuel and tire strategy that netted them a top-15 finish, defying their car's speed limitations. The gamble paid off, showcasing the team's resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

Overcoming the Odds: LaJoie's Impressive Comeback

Slow Start, Steady Pace

Corey LaJoie's race day didn't start off as planned, as he struggled to find the pace he needed in the early laps. Undeterred, the team made the strategic decision to stay out during the second stage, allowing LaJoie to cycle up to fifth position with just 33 laps remaining. This bold move, orchestrated by crew chief Chris Lawson, proved to be the key to their success.

Despite the car's limitations, LaJoie and his team remained focused on executing their plan. "We didn't fire off well, but we were able to maintain our pace throughout the run, so the choice was clear [to do the strategy]," LaJoie explained. "We were a 28th-to-30th-place car on speed, but we got paid for 14th, so that is cool."

Fuel and Tire Gamble Pays Off

While many of their competitors opted to pit for fresh tires and fuel, LaJoie and his team stuck to their guns. This decision proved to be the difference-maker, as the buffer they had created allowed them to finish 14th, besting seven other lead-lap cars and securing their best result to date with Rick Ware Racing.

The team's commitment to their strategy, even in the face of adversity, showcased their resilience and adaptability. "It's a group that fights hard," LaJoie said. "They're a group that's up against a lot, a deficit of speed and resources. And even when we're lacking speed, they come up with a plan to execute and get days like these."

Gelling with Rick Ware Racing

The South Point 400 marked LaJoie's fourth race with Rick Ware Racing, and the partnership is already bearing fruit. Together, they have secured two top-15 finishes, a testament to the team's ability to maximize their resources and find success despite the challenges they face.

LaJoie described this year as "two seasons," referring to the sudden end of his tenure with Spire Motorsports and his newfound gelling with the Rick Ware Racing team. "It's a group that fights hard," he said. "They're a group that's up against a lot, a deficit of speed and resources. And even when we're lacking speed, they come up with a plan to execute and get days like these."

Momentum Building for the Future

The impressive performance at the South Point 400 has only added to the growing momentum for LaJoie and Rick Ware Racing. With five top-15 finishes in the last eight races, in contrast to just four in the first 25 races, the team is proving that they can consistently punch above their weight.

This surge in performance has not gone unnoticed, as LaJoie is already being touted as a favorite for the No. 51 ride in 2025. The team's ability to adapt and execute under pressure has earned them the respect of the NASCAR community, and the future looks bright for this dynamic duo.

Suarez Shines with Similar Strategy

Corey LaJoie was not the only driver to benefit from a similar fuel and tire strategy at the South Point 400. Daniel Suarez, driving for Trackhouse Racing, also opted to run long and was rewarded with a third-place finish, just behind race winner Joey Logano.

Suarez's performance was equally impressive, as he led 57 laps, including 31 laps in the final stage before Logano took over with six laps to go. The Trackhouse Racing driver has been on a roll this season, with four top-5 finishes and eight top-10s, matching his top-5 total for 2019 and sitting 13th in the points standings, just 37 points away from a potential second-career top-10 points finish.