They say lightning never strikes the same place twice, but that notion was challenged at Michigan International Speedway, where both Ryan Sieg and Corey LaJoie experienced eerily similar crashes at the same spot on the track. Both drivers flipped their cars on the 2-mile, D-shaped oval, a place not typically known for such dramatic wrecks. These incidents have prompted widespread concern about the safety of the Next-Gen cars, raising questions about what exactly caused these flips and whether NASCAR needs to reassess its vehicle designs.
Corey LaJoie, who was driving the No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro at the time of his crash, has a theory about why his car went airborne so easily. LaJoie believes that the air jack system in his car may have played a significant role in the flip. Speaking on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, LaJoie shared his thoughts on the crash, describing the sequence of events and how he came to his conclusion.
LaJoie’s crash occurred during the final stage of the FireKeepers Casino 400, when he was battling Noah Gragson for a spot in the top 20. The race was intense, and the competition fierce. LaJoie’s car made contact with Gragson’s No. 10 Ford Mustang, causing Gragson to spin out. What happened next was unexpected and frightening: LaJoie’s No. 7 Chevrolet went airborne, flipping onto its roof before sliding across the asphalt and onto the grass, where it rolled several more times before coming to a stop.
This bizarre and terrifying crash left LaJoie with a theory about what might have caused it. He speculates that the air jack system, a relatively new addition to Next-Gen cars, may have been a contributing factor. The air jack system is designed to lift cars off the track when they suffer flat tires, allowing drivers to return to the pits without the need for tow trucks. This system helps reduce race disruptions and allows drivers to stay in the competition without losing valuable laps. However, LaJoie suspects that the air jacks might have inadvertently caused his car to flip.
According to LaJoie, the air jack system could have allowed the right rear tire of his car to droop, which may have created a situation where the car lifted off the ground more easily. He expressed his desire to visit NASCAR’s Research & Development Center to investigate his theory further, stating that it’s rare to see a car flip so dramatically on its own in modern NASCAR races. LaJoie’s concerns highlight the need for NASCAR to examine the role of the air jack system in such incidents to ensure that it doesn’t pose a safety risk.
This crash wasn’t the first major incident LaJoie has experienced this season. Earlier in the year, he was involved in a crash at Talladega Superspeedway, another track known for its high-speed, high-risk racing. As the NASCAR Cup Series moves toward its next race at Daytona International Speedway, LaJoie remains focused on his goal of securing a strong finish, despite the risks involved.
Daytona is known for its unpredictable and often dangerous racing, and LaJoie is well aware of the risks he’ll be facing there. He knows that to achieve victory, he’ll need to take chances, putting himself in harm’s way to have a shot at winning. As LaJoie said, “You know you have to put yourself in harm’s way to get the ultimate reward. This is the highest risk and highest reward place we go to. I’m willing, like I am every Sunday, to assume that risk, tighten the belts, and see if I can’t get our Celsius Camaro in contention to steal a win.”
As the season progresses, LaJoie finds himself in a precarious position. Currently 31st in the driver standings, with only one top-five and one top-ten finish this season, he’s fighting for his future in the NASCAR Cup Series. LaJoie has been the face of Spire Motorsports since 2021, but the team has decided to part ways with him due to a lack of results. With just two races remaining before the playoffs begin, LaJoie is running out of time to prove himself and secure a spot for the 2025 season.
Despite the challenges and the recent crash, LaJoie remains undeterred. His best finish this season came at the Daytona 500, where he placed fourth—his highest-ever finish in the Cup Series. As he heads back to Daytona for the Coke Zero Sugar 400, LaJoie is determined to put the Michigan crash behind him and focus on the task at hand. He’s aware of the risks, but he’s also determined to do whatever it takes to achieve success.
LaJoie’s theory about the Michigan flip raises important questions about the safety of NASCAR’s Next-Gen cars. While his claim that the air jack system might have contributed to the crash is speculative, it underscores the need for NASCAR to thoroughly investigate such incidents. The safety of drivers is paramount, and any potential issues with car design or new technologies like the air jack system must be addressed promptly.
As the NASCAR community continues to debate the causes of these flips, one thing is clear: incidents like LaJoie’s crash at Michigan serve as a stark reminder of the dangers that drivers face every time they get behind the wheel. While technological advancements like the air jack system are intended to enhance safety and performance, they can also introduce new risks that must be carefully managed.
For LaJoie, the focus now is on Daytona and the opportunity to prove himself in what could be one of the most crucial races of his career. With the playoff picture taking shape and his future in the Cup Series uncertain, LaJoie is more motivated than ever to push himself and his car to the limit. Whether his theory about the Michigan flip is proven correct or not, one thing is certain: Corey LaJoie is a driver who won’t let a crash—or a conspiracy theory—keep him from chasing his dreams on the track.
In conclusion, LaJoie’s speculation about the air jack system’s role in his Michigan flip has added another layer to the ongoing discussion about the safety and performance of NASCAR’s Next-Gen cars. As the season progresses and NASCAR continues to refine its approach to car design and safety, the lessons learned from incidents like LaJoie’s crash will be critical in ensuring that the sport remains as safe as possible for all drivers. Whether LaJoie’s theory holds water or not, his willingness to question and explore the potential causes of his crash reflects the resilience and determination that define NASCAR’s best drivers. As he heads to Daytona with his eyes on victory, LaJoie’s journey serves as a reminder of the relentless pursuit of excellence that drives the sport forward.
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