Corey LaJoie, climbing the Cup ladder, might just be ‘the next Ross Chastain’

The phrase “stacking pennies” has become synonymous with Corey LaJoie, the expression he frequently uses to describe the incremental gains he makes progressing up the NASCAR ladder with the intent of one day becoming a winning Cup Series driver. He’s got a really big work ethic and seems to understand the sport from all angles, and he’s kind of like the next Ross Chastain to me where when things really come together and he gets that total group of people around him that he needs, he can probably start winning races.” GO DEEPER What to make of Alex Bowman's injury: A hit to his Cup chances, an old debate revived When informed of Wallace’s comments and similar remarks made by Keselowski, Michael McDowell, Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick, LaJoie paused, seemingly unsure what to say. “And friends like Joey, who I’ve known for a long time even though I wrecked his ass.” LaJoie’s story of fighting to make his mark is well known. “So seeing Corey run in the top 15 and top 10 is not surprising to me because in my eyes, he’s always had the ability, he’s just never had all the pieces around him.” GO DEEPER Top 5: Kyle Busch and Richard Childress shine at Talladega, Jordan Anderson's moment The road to this point has been long, filled with moments where it felt like LaJoie’s journey had reached its conclusion. “That just shows the progression of my career when you get a guy that has won 62 races and multiple championships say that I’m a pain in their d— to race with,” LaJoie said.