Gold Line: Corey Lajoie '2025 Take 5' Mustang

Most race fans have heard the name Corey Lajoie before, son of the storied Nascar two time Busch Series champion Randy Lajoie. But not many people may remember that Corey bet his children's college fund, on himself, that he would be able to race his way into the Daytona 500. In a partnership with Rick Ware Racing, and sponsorship from Take 5 Oil Change, Lajoie was miraculously able to race his way into the 500. For a closer look at the 1/54 scale version, read more here.

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Above: Taken during practice for the Daytona 500 on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Corey Lajoie brings his RWR Mustang through the turn. (Photograph by Joel Bray, Jayski.com). 

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I've been collecting Corey Lajoie 1/64s since his days racing for BK Racing nearly a decade ago. Perhaps the best opportunities Lajoie would ever have came behind the wheel of a Spire Chevy. This collaboration 2026 was just a gamble that worked out for Lajoie. By making the 41 car field, he earned his money back and the chance to remind everyone that he could still be a driver that is worth paying for a full season. Lajoie was able to bring his Mustang home in 22nd place and on the lead lap. 

Rick Ware Racing began using gold/yellow rims in 2024. But it took a full year for Lionel to attempt to replicate the unique look. The most standout feature of the car has to be the rims, and while I appreciate the effort, I don't think they've quite gotten the right effect. The rest of the car is pretty good, and the paint scheme is unique and recognizable, but the car is based on the old plastic chassis that Lionel has recently moved away from, so this is another car that notoriously sits at 20-30 degree angle. This is the only car in my collection that is number, 01.

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