COREY LAJOIE says no harm asking for work.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla — Corey LaJoie wasted no time getting a jump on free agency: He presented Rick Hendrick with a handwritten letter stating his case to replace Jimmie Johnson next year.

LaJoie spent more than a month working on the letter with his wife serving as editor. There were several drafts before he finished it around Christmas, then presented it in person to Hendrick at last week’s NASCAR Hall of Fame ceremony.

“I was so nervous,” LaJoie said. “That man can change my life. He can change the life for my entire family. It’s so hard to get a chance, so hard to get noticed or stand out, so I just tried something different. I have excellent cursive writing, I’ve got an excellent font, so I went for it.”

LaJoie actually consulted with Johnson about the idea before proceeding. Johnson is retiring from full-time racing at the end of this season, making the No. 48 Chevrolet probably the most coveted seat in racing.

Johnson has won 83 races, two Daytona 500s and a record-tying seven Cup titles in the 48. LaJoie has two career top-10 finishes in 93 career starts, but last year was his first full season. He’s back for a second year in the No. 32 Ford with Go Fas Racing.

“Corey was trying to figure out how to stand out and really connect with Rick, and when he brought up the idea of a hand-written note, I was like ‘Yup,’ ” Johnson said. “Rick’s phone is ringing, people are always trying to get to him. But if you think about it, when was the last time you got a hand-written note across your desk? I felt that would definitely leave a lasting impression.”

LaJoie has not received any response from Hendrick since handing off the letter Jan. 31, but said he was flattered that Hendrick not only knew who he was when he approached him at the Hall of Fame event, but that Hendrick also complimented his racing.

“That kind of blew me away, that he knew who I was and took the time to talk to me,” LaJoie said.