Corey LaJoie, once considering stepping away from NASCAR to focus on his carbon fiber business, received an unexpected chance with RFK Racing just before the 2026 season commenced. The 34-year-old driver is stepping in as a relief driver during the Cook Out Clash on February 4, taking over the #6 Ford in place of the injured Brad Keselowski. LaJoie will also compete in the #99 car at the Daytona 500 scheduled for February 15, marking a surprising comeback for the North Carolina native.
LaJoie shared his thoughts ahead of the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, reflecting on the sudden shift back to full competition.
Just when I was almost, not content per se, but starting to grasp the idea that the window is closing on being a race car driver, then this opportunity arose,
LaJoie said.
LaJoie’s Activities During Time Away from Full-Time Racing
After failing to secure a full-time Cup Series ride for the 2025 season, LaJoie diversified his pursuits by participating part-time in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, working as a NASCAR analyst on Prime, and launching his own business ventures. Through this period, he has learned to approach opportunities with flexibility and expresses gratitude for the chance to return behind the wheel, even if only temporarily.
It’s been fun. It’s been a confusing journey of sorts lately, but it’s been nice to have a central focus. Whether it be this week preparing for The Clash or certainly next week for the [Daytona] 500 to really lock in and focus. In racing, your goals are really clear. It’s to prepare and do a better job than the next guy. I’m glad I get to have that clear, cut goal for the next two weeks,
LaJoie stated.
Brad Keselowski’s Injury Creates Opening for LaJoie
Brad Keselowski, the 2012 Cup Series champion, suffered a broken leg during a ski trip in December. His recovery timeline puts the start of his 2026 season at risk, forcing him to miss The Clash while aiming to compete in the Daytona 500. This injury opened the door for LaJoie to take over driving the #6 car temporarily.
Though LaJoie hopes Keselowski will be ready for Daytona, he recognizes the pressure that comes with this unexpected role and appreciates the trust placed in him.
If you don’t feel the pressure, then you don’t understand the gravity of what the opportunity is. Just remind myself that I’ve been doing it a long time and I’ve been doing it at a high level, so for those guys to tap me as the guy that can be in the 6 car and feel like can do a good job is certainly an honor,
LaJoie remarked.
LaJoie’s Cup Series Future Remains Uncertain Beyond Daytona
Despite this opportunity to race in early 2026, Corey LaJoie has no confirmed plans to continue racing in the NASCAR Cup Series beyond the Daytona 500. His career has included 276 Cup Series starts, with 11 top-10 finishes and a career-best points standing of 25th in 2023.
LaJoie’s brief return to RFK Racing represents a hopeful yet temporary reconnection to top-level NASCAR competition, illustrating the often unpredictable nature of a racing career and the importance of staying ready for new chances.
https://twitter.com/RFKracing/status/2013691788473573571
Corey LaJoie says he was just starting to grasp the window may be closed for being a race car driver, but the opportunity arose to sub for Brad Keselowski in the No. 6 car.
He says this is a "house money" situation to him.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) February 4, 2026
.@CoreyLaJoie says it’s been a fun and confusing journey recently that led him to substitute drive the @RFKracing 6 and attempt the Daytona 500 in the No. 99 Ford. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/blwNSrDPGi
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) February 4, 2026
RFK Racing Statement on Brad Keselowski Injury: pic.twitter.com/veACGdLpf5
— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) December 19, 2025
Short answer- NO
Long answer- I don’t currently have a valid NASCAR driver’s license. Scheduled to take the different tests end of the week. Must pass to drive the car at DAYTONA or anywhere else.
Big week ahead https://t.co/T4Us4hVjV7
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) February 2, 2026
