“Everybody Wants to Kill Each Other”- Former Cup Star Torches Idea of Open-Wheel Style Friendships in NASCAR

NASCAR driver Corey LaJoie argued on the Stacking Pennies podcast that open-wheel drivers maintain closer friendships than NASCAR competitors because stock car racing allows heavy contact. Speaking alongside co-host Ryan 'Skip' Flores and guest Kasey Kahne, LaJoie contrasted Formula 1's post-race camaraderie with the heated tensions seen among NASCAR drivers at Martinsville Speedway.

LaJoie noted that open-wheel racers avoid contact due to exposed tires, while stock cars permit bumping without catastrophic damage. Flores added that modern NASCAR schedules give competitors less time around the track and motorhome lots, further weakening personal bonds and making on-track altercations more common.