Corey LaJoie is poised for a demanding stretch in NASCAR as he steps into multiple racing roles leading up to the 2026 Daytona 500. After being confirmed to replace an injured Brad Keselowski for the preseason Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, LaJoie will also pilot RFK Racing’s newly revived No. 99 Ford Mustang in the prestigious Daytona 500. This arrangement highlights LaJoie’s growing involvement with RFK Racing and reflects the team’s strategic expansion around Keselowski’s recuperation from a broken leg.
The 34-year-old driver shared insights into how this unusual opportunity emerged, revealing behind-the-scenes talks with Keselowski and team leadership that paved the way for LaJoie’s intensified schedule and renewed partnership at one of NASCAR’s biggest events.
Inside Look at LaJoie’s Path to the No. 99 Seat
LaJoie provided details about the timing and discussions that led to his unexpected role during a recent episode of the Stackin’ Pennies podcast. Keselowski personally reached out to LaJoie with an invitation to assist by driving in the Clash at Bowman Gray. At the time, the team’s plans for its fourth car entry were in flux, awaiting clarity on Keselowski’s health and the direction of the car’s future.
“Brad calls me. ‘Hey man, would love for you to help out here, drive the car at the Clash. And then it was like I was in this weird spot because the fourth car effort had been paused to figure out what Brad was going on, right? They might need me to drive the Daytona. So once it looked hopeful that Brad would be able to recover and go to 500, they then pushed play on the fourth-car efforts and sold it to the Trimble in-house partner. They’ve been trying to grow, and they called me to do it,”
LaJoie explained, illustrating the back-and-forth nature of the arrangement as Keselowski’s recovery influenced RFK’s plans.
The return of the No. 99 — a number steeped in RFK Racing history, with 40 wins credited to Jeff Burton and Carl Edwards from 1996 to 2014 — is a key aspect of the team’s revival. LaJoie’s open-wheel entry into the 68th Daytona 500 represents both a nod to that legacy and a strategic effort to expand RFK’s presence on the track this season.
Building Trust Through Reserve Driving and Leadership Bonds
LaJoie’s role wasn’t assigned randomly; his previous work with RFK Racing as a reserve driver helped solidify the relationship. He had filled in behind the wheel of the No. 6 Ford during the Cook Out Clash exhibition while Keselowski was sidelined. The rapport with key team figures, including RFK president Chip Bowers, has been instrumental in strengthening that alliance.
“And I was trying to hold it loosely. And Chip Bowers, new president of RFK, with whom I’ve hit it off, uh, he’s a dog. So definitely adding to the culture swing over there at RFK with Brad and that whole group,”
LaJoie stated, highlighting the positive influence Bowers has had on the team atmosphere.
With Keselowski focused on healing and plotting his eventual return to racing at Daytona, LaJoie’s expanded schedule underscores the trust RFK places in him to maintain competitive momentum.
LaJoie’s Growing Racing Commitments Extend to Truck Series
LaJoie’s motorsport involvement broadens beyond the Cup Series. On Monday, it was announced he will pilot the No. 75 Henderson Motorsports Chevrolet for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series opener at Daytona, an additional challenge that adds pressure to his already busy calendar.
This No. 75 truck carries recent notoriety after its initial victory last year was later nullified due to a post-race inspection issue. LaJoie intends to convert that near success into a clean win in his upcoming appearance.
Reflecting his enthusiasm for this new venture, LaJoie remarked,
“It’s been fun putting this deal together for many reasons. First being, Parker is a good friend, and it’s cool to pick up the baton from him where he left off last year. Debbie Henderson-Creasy and Chris Carrier have the passion to continue Charlie’s legacy with Henderson Motorsports, and there’s no better place to do that than the World Center of Racing. Lastly, involving longtime friends and partners at Built.com and Alliance Driveaway really makes it a family outing. Ready to go put the 75 in the wind and see what we’ve got.”
Experience and Momentum Fuel LaJoie’s Daytona Ambitions
While LaJoie is best known for his extensive Cup Series career, comprising 276 starts, his recent performance has demonstrated growing competitiveness, especially on superspeedways like Daytona. Back in 2025, LaJoie made nine starts with Spire Motorsports, achieving a string of strong finishes, including three top fives and seven top tens, with a best placement of fifth.
This streak of strong showings adds confidence as he attempts to secure a spot in the Great American Race behind the wheel of RFK Racing’s storied No. 99 entry. His relationship with the team, combined with his expanding role across different NASCAR platforms, positions him as a driver to watch as the 2026 season dawns.
Implications of RFK Racing’s Strategic Moves at Daytona
RFK Racing’s decision to activate a fourth car for the Daytona 500, reviving the iconic No. 99, reflects broader plans to enhance their competitive footprint while managing Keselowski’s injury recovery. By entrusting LaJoie, a seasoned yet versatile driver familiar with the team culture, RFK balances continuity with strategic depth.
The multiple opportunities LaJoie has secured, including driving in the strong Henderson Motorsports Truck Series effort, signal his resilience and adaptability under pressure. For Keselowski, this period off-track provides space to heal while knowing the team’s presence at Daytona remains robust.
Looking ahead, LaJoie’s performances during Speedweeks and beyond will be critical in securing a stable future role in the NASCAR spotlight, while Keselowski aims to return at full strength. The dynamic within RFK Racing and LaJoie’s bursts of opportunity illustrate the fast-paced and uncertain nature of motorsport careers, particularly when injuries and recovery are involved.
Corey LaJoie talked a bit about how his opportunity to drive for RFK Racing came about on the season debut of Stacking Pennies:
>Corey said that he had started talking to Brad Keselowski around the start of the playoffs last year about doing the 5-6 superspeedway races in 2026,… pic.twitter.com/0zrUWkfyO3
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) January 28, 2026
