Last season, Corey LaJoie was let go by Spire Motorsports on the Cup Series side; now he’s back with the Truck Series team. LaJoie will race nine NASCAR Truck Series races in the No. 07 Chevy Silverado. He had quite the analogy about his return to his old stomping grounds.

Corey LaJoie is out of full-time racing in NASCAR. He’s doing his best to put together a mealpiece Cup Series schedule and also a healthy number of Truck Series races. Still, coming back to Spire Motorsports like this is a bit strange. Humbling, some might say.

While speaking to the media at Michigan International Speedway, LaJoie made a wild analogy. Try to keep up here.

“So yeah. It’s been, you know, a lot of emotions going back in there [at Spire],” LaJoie said. “Can I give you my analogy? … Here’s my analogy. It’s like when you work building a house for five years, and then your wife becomes a TikTok star and says she’s not happy anymore, she kicks you out. Then she calls you back a year later, and you have to go live in the guest room, and she’s there with a new boyfriend. That’s how this thing goes.”

Now, I don’t know anything about that, but I get the gist of what LaJoie is saying. There’s a little bit of hurt pride there, but a desire to prove yourself. Spire is his wife, and drivers like Justin Haley, Michael McDowell, and Carson Hocevar are the new boyfriends. The Truck Series, well, I guess that’s the guest bedroom.

Corey LaJoie gets serious after hilarious comparison

Corey LaJoie had a bit of fun giving his wild analogy. However, he got serious right after and talked about the competitive side of things. Which is what he’s missed all along while being on the sidelines for so many weeks this season.

“But I’ve missed the, just like, the trenches of trying to work together for a common goal,” LaJoie continued. “Because it’s the only thing, racing’s the only thing in life that you can be measured by your effort, good, bad, or indifferent. So, I’ve missed like, the working collectively trying to get a truck faster, car faster, yourself faster, figuring out what your weaknesses are and making them better.”

This is going to be the best equipment that Corey LaJoie has had on race day compared to his competitors. We have seen Kyle Larson get a win this year in the truck. However, Michael McDowell, Justin Haley, William Byron, and Kyle Busch have all come up short. William Byron and Larson are the only drivers to get top-five finishes in the No. 07 truck.

If LaJoie can put himself in the right position, a win is not out of the question. However, nothing is guaranteed. The Truck Series is full of great talent right now, and winning is a difficult task for any driver. Just ask those Cup guys who were behind the wheel before LaJoie.

It is time to go racing in the Irish Hills of Michigan, at Michigan International Speedway and the Firekeeper’s Casino 400. Here is everything you need to know before cars hit the track in Michigan.

NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway Preview

Last August, it was Tyler Reddick winning his second of three victories on a Monday. The Sunday race was delayed due to rain and pushed to the next day. Will the rain return? Or will it be all sunshine for Sunday’s race? Can Tyler Reddick get win number one in 2025? Or can Ford or Chevy win in their backyard?

Race Preview:

The Firekeepers Casino 400 is the fifteenth race of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. It is a 400-mile, 200-lap race around the 2-mile Michigan International Speedway. Stage cautions will be thrown on laps 45 and 120, with the checkered flag on lap 200. There is $11,055,250 in prize money available for those in the race. Teams will have 7 sets of Goodyear tires for practice and qualifying. The Goodyear tires are the same at Daytona and Talladega earlier in the season.

The Track: Michigan International Raceway

Built and opened in 1968, Michigan International Speedway is located in Brooklyn, Michigan, the heartland for Chevrolet and Ford. 2 miles in length, it is known for its record-setting speeds, with speeds being reported as high as 220 mph on the straightaway. With 18 degrees of banking in the turns, 12 on the front stretch, and 5 on the back, it is the perfect setting for high top speeds.

Michigan 2018: 220 mph entering turn one. Speeds so fast, they literally blew small children off their feet pic.twitter.com/spPteTPlwe

— nascarman (@nascarman_rr) June 2, 2025

The Cup Series has raced here 107 previous times. Cale Yarborough won the first race in 1969. David Pearson has the most wins at the track, with 9 wins. Kyle Larson and Joey Logano are tied for wins amongst active drivers, both with three. Kevin Harvick set the lap record in 2018, turning a 36.093-second lap around the track.

Cup Series Point Standings:

Here are the standings following the race at Nashville:

1. William Byron: 547
2. Kyle Larson: 499
3. Christopher Bell: 459
4. Denny Hamlin: 443
5. Chase Elliott: 442
6. Tyler Reddick: 429
7. Ryan Blaney: 417
8. Joey Logano: 380
9. Ross Chastain: 377
10. Bubba Wallace: 343

Read More: Penske Power Shows Out as Ryan Blaney Wins in Music City

Drivers To Watch:

Brad Keselowski, a native Michigander, has steadily improved his finishing positions at Michigan in the Next-Gen era. Fourth and fifth in the previous two races at Michigan. Ford has won 2 of the 3 Next-Gen races at the track. I think it would only be fitting for Keselowski to get that elusive win at Michigan and win for the blue ovals.

For the Toyotas, you have to look at the 23XI crew and their boss, Denny Hamlin. Wallace ran second to Harvick in 2022 with Hamlin running in third. Hamlin ran third to Truex and Buescher in 2023, and Reddick won the race last year. Look out for the Nos. 45, 23, and 11 Camrys on Sunday.

Chevrolet has been the weakest manufacturer in the Next Gen era. No wins and only three top-five finishes. While Kyle Larson is the flagship of the Chevy program at the moment, I think eyes should be on one of the younger drivers in the camp. Carson Hocevar has had a string of good runs and a second-place finish at Nashville. If he can avoid being junked into the wall by Ricky Stenhouse, I think Carson can win his first race at his home track.

Read More: Carson Hocevar Faces Heavy Criticism After Wrecking Stenhouse At Nashville

How To Watch The Cup Series at Michigan:

Here is the schedule for the Firekeepers Casino 400 at Michigan:

• Saturday, June 7th:
• Sunday, June 8th:
  • The Firekeepers Casino 400

Stay connected to Last Word on Motorsports for all the exciting action from Michigan International Speedway

Main Photo: Logan Riely, Getty Images

Recording Date: 8/19/2024

Bengaluru, June 6, 2025: In a landmark moment for Indian motorsports, TVS Motor Company has become the official race machine provider for the National Championship Pro Stock 200 class at the 2025 Indian National Motorcycle Racing Championship (INMRC), which is scheduled from 6-8th June at MIC, Chennai. This marks the first time in the history of Indian motorsports that a brand has been entrusted to design, develop, and supply race-tuned motorcycles specifically for the National Championship, reaffirming TVS Motor’s leadership and commitment to racing excellence. This breakthrough paves the way to democratize two-wheeler racing, making it easier and more affordable for independent racers to participate, reflecting FMSCI and MMSC’s vision of expanding competitive motorsport.

The National Championship Pro Stock 200 at INMRC 2025 is a new and exciting format introduced by the MIC to elevate competition and support independent racing teams. As part of this development, TVSM will provide race-tuned TVS Apache GP200R motorcycles to independent teams, who will engage their racers to compete in this championship class. Additionally, PETRONAS TVS Racing team will provide complete technical support and machine service and maintenance to ensure peak performance throughout the season. With 20 years of TVS Apache’s racing heritage behind it, this milestone marks a powerful step forward in Indian motorsports. The selection process for participating teams and racers was recently concluded at the Madras International Circuit on May 28, 2025. Seven teams and twelve racers have been selected for this dynamic new class. 

Vimal Sumbly, Head – Premium Business, TVS Motor Company said, “At TVS Motor Company, our racing DNA drives us to innovate and lead from the front. We are proud to be the first two-wheeler manufacturer in Indian motorsport history to supply race-tuned machines for the National Championship. This landmark development, supported by the vision of the Madras International Circuit makes it easier and more affordable for independent teams to participate and compete at the highest level. This year holds even greater significance as we mark two decades of our flagship performance brand, the TVS Apache – a true embodiment of our ‘Track to Road’ philosophy. As we charge into the new season, we aim not just to race, but to raise the bar for motorsports in India once again.”

SPECIFICATIONS OF THE RACE-TUNED TVS APACHE GP200R

The race-tuned TVS Apache GP200R is engineered for performance and agility, delivering significantly enhanced output and handling. It features:

• • Cubic Capacity: 200 cc
  • Bike Weight: 105 kg
  • Maximum Power: 40% increase over stock engine
  • Top Speed: 155+ kph

Key highlights of the race-tuned TVS Apache GP200R include:

• • Modified cylinder head for higher volumetric efficiency, high lift camshaft, high compression ratio, advanced ECU with closed-loop control, quickshifter and data logging capabilities, fine-tuned induction and exhaust system.
  • Adjustable front and rear suspension, aerodynamic bodywork, lighter racing wheels, aluminum subframe, and higher braking power.

PETRONAS TVS RACING TEAM FOR INMRC 2025 PRO STOCK 300-400CC CLASS

With legendary 11-time national champion Jagan Kumar retired from competitive racing, he will continue to serve as a rider coach for the PETRONAS TVS Racing team. Joining the team this year are two young and skilled racers, Rakshith Dave and Alwin Sundar. They will be joined by ARRC ace rider Sarthak Chavan, along with top performer, Chirant V and the first ever Indian rider to participate as a wildcard entry in world Moto3, KY Ahamed. The team is focused on achieving peak performance and continuing TVS Racing’s legacy of excellence in this competitive class.

BIKE MODIFICATIONS FOR THE 300-400CC CLASS

For the 2025 season, the Pro Stock 300-400cc race bikes will benefit from several enhancements, including engine refinement based on the 2024 season learnings, planned new aerodynamic bodywork from mid-season, and modifications to the rear suspension to enhance handling and performance. 

OVER FOUR DECADES OF RACING DNA

For over 43 years, TVS Racing has been at the forefront of Indian motorsports, continuously pushing the boundaries of racing excellence. This commitment to innovation and performance extends beyond the racetrack into TVS Motor Company’s flagship motorcycle brand—TVS Apache, which celebrates 20 years of engineering excellence this year. The TVS Apache series embodies TVS Racing’s ‘Track to Road’ philosophy, integrating race-derived technology into high-performance motorcycles. Spanning 160cc, 180cc, 200cc, and 310cc models, the lineup features segment-first innovations, from ride-by-wire technology to race-tuned fuel injection. 

With over 400,000 riders in the Apache Owners Group (AOG), TVS Apache has built a passionate global community, bringing the thrill of racing to streets and track enthusiasts alike. As it enters its next chapter, TVS Apache remains dedicated to offering cutting-edge performance, redefining what it means to ride with power and precision. 

Post Views: 96

Although rain threatened to interrupt proceedings Friday at the 2.258-mile Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, three IMSA-sanctioned series completed five largely clean practice sessions Friday to kick off the O’Reilly Auto Parts 4 Hours of Mid-Ohio weekend. The IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge headlines the weekend with its second four-hour race of the schedule.

Practice Notes

BMW entries went 1-2 in IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Grand Sport (GS) class practice, with the No. 39 CarBahn with Peregrine racing BMW M4 GT4 EVO of Jeff Westphal ahead of the No. 95 Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT4 EVO of Francis Selldorff. Westphal’s best time was 1 minute, 26.471 seconds (94.005 mph) and a full 0.343 of a second clear of Selldorff. The No. 44 Ibiza Farm Motorsports McLaren Artura GT4 was third.

The No. 93 MMG Honda Civic FL5 TCR paced the Touring Car (TCR) class with LP Montour driving. The Honda set a best time of 1 minute, 27.017 seconds (93.416 mph) and ranked seventh among all 38 cars competing this weekend.

One red flag flew for the No. 2 GS class entry in the session, off course at Turn 5. For causing the red flag, that car will lose its fastest lap turned during qualifying on Saturday.

In IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, Corey Lewis was fastest in P3 in Practice 1 with Oscar Tunjo leading Practice 2. Lewis, substituting for an injured Matthew Dicken, topped Practice 1 at 1 minute, 19.287 seconds (102.523 mph) in the No. 36 RAFA Racing Ligier JS P320. Tunjo beat that in the No. 31 Gebhardt Intralogistics Motorsports Duqueine D08 at a quicker 1 minute, 18.028 seconds (104.177 mph) that stood as the fastest lap of the day.

AJ Muss (No. 66 Af Corse Ferrari 296 GT3) and Jake Walker (No. 6 Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT3) led the two GTDX sessions while Kiko Porto (No. 8 RAFA Racing Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2) topped both GSX sessions.

Grant West (No. 50 Spark Performance) and Tyler Gonzalez (No. 57 BSI Racing) led the two Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by Michelin practice sessions.

Ohio’s Hometown Drivers and Teams

The standalone IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge O’Reilly Auto Parts 4 Hours of Mid-Ohio serves as a home race for several drivers in the 38-car field.

In GS, Zach Veach (No. 16 CSM Porsche 718 GT4 RS CS) and Patrick Gallagher (No. 96 Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT4 EVO) get to compete not far from their hometowns of Stockdale and Thornville, respectively.

Veach has raced at Mid-Ohio in a plethora of series, from the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (he finished second in GTD in a Vasser Sullivan Racing Lexus RC F GT3 in 2021) to several open-wheel junior series on the way up to the IndyCar series. He’s known CSM team co-owner Stephen Simpson for well over a decade; in fact, Veach made his WeatherTech Championship debut standing in for Simpson at the 2015 WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca event, co-driving with Misha Goikhberg in the Prototype Challenge class.

For Gallagher, an Ohio State University graduate with an engineering degree who got to watch his hometown Buckeyes capture the college football national championship in January in Atlanta in-between the Roar Before the Rolex 24 and Rolex 24 At Daytona, it’s an extra special venue to compete at.

“Excited to be racing here at Mid-Ohio, my home race,” Gallagher reflected. “I’m an instructor at The Mid-Ohio School. Have done some teen schools, racing schools and other programs they offer. I have a lot of family and friends from just down the road in Thornville. Grew up and been coming here my whole life. Always love racing at home.”

They’re not alone among Ohio locals racing here. In TCR, the father-daughter duo of Larry and Riley Pegram hail from Hebron, Ohio; they’ll race in the No. 72 Pegram Racing Hyundai Elantra N TCR.

Honda’s manufacturing facility in Marysville, Ohio isn’t far from here either, and this track serves as a home race for longtime competitors HART – or Honda of America Racing Team – and drivers Chad Gilsinger (Marysville) and Tyler Chambers (Columbus). Gilsinger noted more than 20 people from HART will be here this weekend, a handful of whom are experiencing an IMSA weekend for a first time within the team’s internal development ladder.

Wright Motorsports, a multi-time IMSA champion which races this weekend in the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, is also based in Batavia, Ohio, a Cincinnati suburb. This marks the first time that Adam Adelson, who acquired the team from John Wright in late 2024 before it was formally announced in April 2025, gets to race a Wright car at the team’s home track since the purchase was announced.

Le Mans-Bound from Mid-Ohio

Five IMSA drivers racing this weekend will head straight from Ohio to Le Mans, France to compete at the Circuit de la Sarthe, although none will be in the 24 Hours of Le Mans itself.

Ford Performance Junior Team drivers Jenson Altzman and Sam Paley will compete as part of the Mustang Invitational, which has a pair of races. Altzman and Paley continue their Michelin Pilot Challenge GS season in the No. 13 McCumbee McAleer Racing with Aerosport Ford Mustang GT4; Altzman’s year has also included his first two IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship starts in Ford’s GT3 car, the No. 66 Gradient Racing Ford Mustang GT3.

As noted a little over a month ago, there’s also a handful of IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge drivers competing in the Michelin Le Mans Cup’s Road to Le Mans race. The Gebhardt Intralogistics Motorsports duo of Valentino Catalano and Oscar Tunjo will race separately in a pair of Duqueine D08 chassis this weekend (Nos. 30 and 31, respectively), then share the team’s No. 70 Duqueine D09 Toyota in France. Samantha Tan will be in the No. 38 ST Racing BMW M4 GT3 in Mid-Ohio, then will race the No. 38 Team WRT BMW M4 GT3 in the Road to Le Mans with Gustav Bergstrom.

Saturday Schedule

VP Racing Challenge teams qualify Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m., with GSX out first and then GTDX and P3 combined at 9:50 a.m. Race 1 is at 2 p.m., streaming on Peacock and IMSA’s Official YouTube channel.

Michelin Pilot Challenge teams go out for a one-hour Practice 2 at 10:55 a.m. with Qualifying later Saturday afternoon. TCR is out first at 4:10 p.m. with GS following at 4:30 p.m.

IMSA Wire Service PR

Kyle Busch is on his way to a Hall of Fame career in NASCAR. He has won numerous races at every level, Craftsman Truck, Xfinity and, of course, Cup Series. Wherever Kyle Busch goes his wife Samantha has been seen for years. She is a familiar presence cheering on her husband as he looks to notch victories. Television cameras gravitate to Samantha Busch as she sits atop the box hoping her husband captures checkered flags.

Samantha Busch

Samantha Busch

Samantha Busch

Samantha Busch

Samantha Busch

Samantha Busch

Samantha Busch

Samantha Busch

Samantha Busch

Samantha Busch

Samantha Busch

Samantha Busch

Samantha Busch

Samantha Busch

Samantha Busch

Samantha Busch

Samantha Busch

Samantha Busch

Samantha Busch

Samantha Busch

Samantha Busch

Samantha Busch

Samantha Busch

Samantha Busch

This article originally appeared on The List Wire: Photos of Samantha Busch, wife of NASCAR champion driver Kyle Busch

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, capping off a weekend of racing at the Brooklyn track and pumping a lot of money into the surrounding communities.

Experience Jackson is the convention and visitors bureau for Jackson County.

President and CEO Ryan Tarrant says NASCAR fans from around the Midwest flock to MIS for the auto racing.

“They’re here, you know, filling hotel rooms. They’re spending money at local restaurants, shops,” said Tarrant. “So, it’s a huge economic impact for the local economy.”

Amber Nace, manager of the Comfort Inn and Suites in Jackson, says her hotel was fully booked for the weekend.

“Everybody goes to NASCAR, everybody loves this,” she said. “We also get really busy even right before the weekend, so we’ve been sold out for a while.”

Tarrant says the weekend event is just part of what Michigan International Speedway brings to the area.

“You’re talking like almost 400,000 annual visitors,” said Tarrant. “That economic impact is well north of $100 million a year.”

This year’s NASCAR weekend at MIS was moved to early June, after several years of holding the event in August.