Corey LaJoie, the Spire Motorsports driver, recently had one such encounter with racing legend Jimmie Johnson. Their paths crossed at Kansas Speedway, leaving LaJoie with a story to tell.
According to NASCAR writer Dustin Long [Dustin Long tweet], LaJoie revealed on his podcast that he and Johnson hadn’t spoken directly about their controversial Kansas crash until this week – and the conversation happened while recording the very podcast itself. Thankfully, the exchange cleared the air and demonstrated a spirit of sportsmanship between the two drivers.
#NASCAR … Corey LaJoie had not had the chance to talk to Jimmie Johnson about their Kansas contact until after recording his podcast this week. They did get to exchange texts this week. What LaJoie said of their conversation … pic.twitter.com/zJYNea8YKn
— Dustin Long (@dustinlong) May 11, 2024
Kansas Chaos: Corey LaJoie and Johnson Make Contact
The incident in question occurred during the AdventHealth 400 at the Kansas Speedway. LaJoie, piloting the No. 7 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports, made contact with Johnson’s No. 84 Legacy Motor Club Toyota, sending Johnson spinning and ending his race prematurely.
The incident sparked debate within the NASCAR community. Some questioned Corey LaJoie’s driving tactics, while others acknowledged the chaotic nature of the race. This online buzz likely added pressure to clear the air between the two drivers.
Clearing the Airwaves: LaJoie and Johnson Connect
Thankfully, Corey LaJoie and Johnson were able to have a candid conversation – albeit in an unconventional setting. During the recording of LaJoie’s podcast, they discussed the Kansas incident, and according to LaJoie, the conversation was positive.
While the podcast provided the platform for a more in-depth discussion, it wasn’t their first point of contact. Corey LaJoie revealed that they had exchanged text messages earlier in the week, which likely paved the way for the more open and constructive dialogue on the podcast.
Corey LaJoie also shared details of the conversation, revealing that Johnson acknowledged the incident was a racing deal and not an intentional move on LaJoie’s part. Johnson reportedly explained that he didn’t see the initial contact between other cars that triggered the chain reaction that ultimately involved LaJoie’s car.
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