NASCAR driver Corey LaJoie is set to return to the NASCAR Truck Series, driving a Henderson Motorsports truck at the Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway on February 23. This 100-lap race, broadcast live on FS1 at 7:30 pm ET, provides LaJoie an opportunity to showcase his skill on the famed Daytona oval, partnering with a team known for recent success at this track.
Henderson Motorsports captured last year’s Truck Series win at Daytona with Parker Kligerman, although the victory was later disallowed due to an illegal ride-height finding during post-race inspection. For this season opener, LaJoie will drive the No. 75 truck, supported by sponsors Built.com, Alliance Driveaway Solutions, and Kingdom Truck Sales. Veteran crew chief Chris Carrier will lead the crew in this renewed effort.
Reflecting on the new partnership, LaJoie expressed enthusiasm about joining forces with familiar allies.
“It’s been fun putting this deal together for many reasons. Parker (Kligerman) is a good friend, and it’s cool to pick up the baton from where he left off last year. Involving longtime friends and partners like Built.com and Alliance Driveaway really makes it a family outing. We’re ready to put the 75 in the wind and see what we’ve got,”
he said.
With 26 prior starts at Daytona and a top-five finish in the Daytona 500, LaJoie brings solid experience to this event. The 2026 season also marks the 68th running of the iconic Daytona 500, scheduled for February 15, which will air live on FOX beginning at 2:30 pm ET. Fans can follow the race through radio coverage on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio as well.
LaJoie’s Dual Roles: Truck Series and Cup Series Season Starters
In addition to his participation in the Truck Series race, Corey LaJoie will drive the No. 99 RFK Racing car in the season-opening Daytona 500, attempting to qualify for one of NASCAR’s most prestigious events. This entry represents RFK Racing’s first use of the No. 99 since Carl Edwards last raced it in 2014.
Before the Daytona 500, LaJoie is also expected to substitute for Brad Keselowski in the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. Keselowski is recovering from a broken leg sustained in a skiing accident last month, prompting LaJoie to take the wheel of the No. 6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for this unofficial kickoff of the NASCAR Cup Series season, scheduled for February 1 at 8 pm ET.
Keselowski described the injury as an unfortunate fluke:
“It’s kind of a freak accident. I just fell perfectly on a spot that broke my leg,”
he explained in a team statement.
“I wish it was some cooler story than that, like jumping or doing something on the slopes. I think everybody thinks I did it on the slopes, which sounds a lot cooler than the actual story I have, but it just was a freak accident.”
LaJoie’s Cup Series tenure spans from 2019 through 2024, encompassing 276 starts. Last season saw him compete in four Cup races with Rick Ware Racing and nine Truck Series events with Spire Motorsports. The Concord, North Carolina native conveyed his gratitude for the RFK Racing opportunity:
“This is a dream come true to get an opportunity with RFK Racing. I’m grateful for the trust they’ve placed in me.”
Significance of LaJoie’s Season Roles and What Lies Ahead
Corey LaJoie’s engagement with RFK Racing marks an important milestone in his career, balancing commitments in both the NASCAR Truck Series and the premier Cup Series. His return to the family-oriented Henderson Motorsports team for Daytona highlights a strategic effort to rebuild momentum following last year’s controversial win at the same venue.
With the Fresh From Florida 250 and the Daytona 500 both set early in the 2026 season, LaJoie’s performance will be critical in setting the tone for his season, potentially elevating his standing within RFK Racing and the broader NASCAR community. His involvement in multiple high-profile events also offers fans a chance to see his versatile driving style across different NASCAR competitions.
As the season progresses, LaJoie’s results at Daytona will be closely watched, especially given the connections with past winners and trusted partners like Parker Kligerman, Chris Carrier, and key sponsors. This promising start underscores LaJoie’s determination to leave a mark on NASCAR’s biggest stages in 2026.
