Corey LaJoie recently sought advice from Carl Edwards on how to succeed driving the No. 99 Ford at the Daytona 500, one of NASCAR’s most prestigious races. Edwards, a Hall of Famer who spent the majority of his career in the No. 99 Roush car, encouraged LaJoie to simply do the opposite of his usual approach, highlighting LaJoie’s speed and potential at the track.
Edwards competed from 2004 to 2014 in the No. 99 car and captured 23 of his 28 Cup wins behind the wheel of that vehicle. Despite his success, a Daytona 500 victory eluded him. Conversely, LaJoie showed promise by leading laps in last year’s season opener before being caught in a last-lap crash. This season, LaJoie will drive RFK Racing’s No. 99 with hopes of capturing the elusive crown jewel.
When LaJoie asked Edwards for his thoughts on winning at Daytona, Edwards responded,
“What would Carl do? I’d just pick the other lane, and then it’s probably pretty good. I’ve seen you run at Daytona. You’re going to be fast as heck in the 99.”
Edwards also reflected on the legacy of driving the No. 99, adding,
“It was always an honour to drive that 99 for Jack Roush and now you’ve got Brad on board, you’ve got teammates. I mean to see Preece the other night, that emotion, I think you guys are poised to do some good. If you could bring that thing home as a Daytona 500 winner, man, I’d be so happy for you.”
The Strategic Move Behind RFK Racing’s Fourth Entry at Daytona
Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing’s team owner, explained the rationale for entering a fourth car at Daytona. He emphasized how additional entries help foster alliances vital to navigating the competitive and tightly packed field typical of superspeedway racing. This strategy is especially relevant as the team rides high on Ryan Preece’s recent victory in the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.
Last season, LaJoie substituted for Keselowski but did not qualify for the main Daytona event, whereas teammate Chris Buescher secured an impressive eighth-place finish. This year, with the No. 99 car under LaJoie’s control, RFK Racing aims to capitalize on its growing chemistry and momentum.
Corey LaJoie to Drive for Henderson Motorsports in Daytona Truck Series
Outside of the Cup Series, Corey LaJoie is set to compete in the Daytona Truck Series race with Henderson Motorsports, stepping into the role vacated by Parker Kligerman. Kligerman was the designated 2025 Daytona driver for the team but faced disqualification due to a ride height infraction after initially winning the event.
“Parker is a good friend, and it’s cool to pick up the baton from where he left off last year,” Corey LaJoie said. “Debbie Henderson-Creasy and Chris Carrier have the passion to continue Charlie’s legacy, and there’s no better place to do that than the World Center of Racing…..We’re ready to put the 75 in the wind and see what we’ve got.”
Following the disqualification of Kligerman’s truck, the win was awarded to Corey Heim. Despite that setback, Kligerman received another opportunity to race at Daytona in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, filling in for an injured Connor Zilisch and bringing the car to the finish line.
The involvement of drivers like LaJoie and Kligerman in multiple series reflects the depth of talent and dedication NASCAR drivers bring to their craft, particularly at iconic venues like Daytona.
LaJoie’s Daytona tips from Carl Edwards, combined with RFK Racing’s expanded presence and strategic partnerships, position him as a contender to watch in the upcoming race. Success in the Daytona 500 not only requires speed but also tactical maneuvering within one of the sport’s most competitive fields, making Edwards’ advice particularly valuable as LaJoie prepares for his next run on this legendary track.
