Corey LaJoie is taking over driving duties from the sidelined Brad Keselowski tonight during the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. He will pilot the No. 6 Solomon Plumbing Ford Mustang Dark Horse for RFK Racing. Prior to practice, LaJoie met with the media at the infield center to discuss the significant opportunity that has come his way.
LaJoie Reflects on the Opportunity and Its Pressure
LaJoie described this chance as unexpected and valuable, a “house money” scenario, especially as he had been focusing on other pursuits outside racing, such as working at his father’s shop and developing a carbon business. He expressed sympathy for Keselowski’s injury but emphasized excitement about being trusted to drive the No. 6 car.
“I think it’s house money. I was gonna be a carbon guy, still working on that and still working on standing up a business over there at dad’s shop. Just when I was almost not content per se, but starting to grasp the idea that the window is closed being a race car driver then this opportunity arose. I hate it for Brad. I saw him yesterday and he’s as sharp as he’s ever been. He’s getting around well, so I’m excited for him to be back in the fold next week, but this opportunity has been awesome. I think there’s always pressure. If you don’t feel the pressure, then you don’t understand the gravity of what the opportunity is, and just to remind myself that I’ve been doing it for 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 I can do a good job is certainly an honor. It’s been cool to be in the mix and prep in the sim again, kind of knocking the rust off, but when the rubber hits the road here shortly hopefully we shake out pretty good.”
– Corey LaJoie, No. 6 Solomon Plumbing Ford Mustang Dark Horse Driver
Balancing Personal Goals Amidst Racing Challenges
When asked about his identity within the sport and the direction for the next few years, LaJoie acknowledged an ongoing internal challenge. He recalled his early career ambitions culminating in winning at the ARCA level in 2012 and chasing success in the Cup series, where he came close to his goals. His career has since evolved to include ventures beyond full-time driving, such as returning to truck racing and spending more time with his children while also managing new business efforts.
“That’s a daily wrestle because it’s pretty straightforward when you’re chasing being a race car driver. If you rewind to 2012 when we won here in the ARCA car, the whole road map was more or less planned – you do whatever you could possibly do to be a Cup driver. To be a Cup winner and a Cup champion was the goal. I got close. I reached the top of the spear as I had hoped. I wish there was always more, but transitioning, not necessarily voluntarily, but transitioning to Prime, that group was unbelievable. I’m excited to run it back with those guys. I’m doing some truck stuff. Hanging out with my kids more. I’m trying to stand up a business. All of these things are learning experiences and ultimately it’s just taught me to hold things much looser of what I feel like I need to take my life and just honestly let the Lord take it. If that’s as a race car driver for the next couple weeks, great. I’m gonna give everything I’ve got to that opportunity, and if it’s the next thing, then I’ll just hold it loosely and just be present with every passing day because it is ever changing. 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 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, and I’m glad I get to have that clear-cut goal for the next two weeks.”
– Corey LaJoie, Race Car Driver
Strength of Team Dynamics Heading into the Daytona 500
Looking ahead to the Daytona 500, where LaJoie will drive the No. 99, he highlighted the benefits of RFK Racing’s expanded presence with four cars competing on superspeedways. Unlike previous years when he raced with limited support, this year’s larger team offers enhanced resources and collaboration among drivers, some of whom are multiple superspeedway race winners.
“It gives me a lot of confidence. I went down there with no friends and made the race as an Open car my first time. I went there last year with relatively no friends with Rick and we executed the Duels great and we made the race, so to have more or less a factory supported Ford car to try to make the race, and just strength in numbers is why RFK is doing it, and to have Brad and Chris and Ryan, all three, no matter how the Duels shake out, I feel like we’re gonna have some good backup to put ourselves in a good position, but we also can’t let our guard down. We’ve got to press and we’ve got to go attack to make sure we cover everybody else, but I know the guys at the shop, even today, are working on the 500 car to make sure that thing can go qualify in on speed on Wednesday night. I know that’s the priority for the team, but, for me, I go down there with all eyes focused on executing the details on Thursday night to be in the race.”
– Corey LaJoie, Driver for RFK Racing
An Important Moment for LaJoie and RFK Racing’s Future
Corey LaJoie’s temporary role in the No. 6 car offers a meaningful chance to reaffirm his abilities at a challenging stage of his racing career. His experience and determination to excel in both the Clash tonight and the upcoming Daytona 500 reflect not only his personal resilience but also RFK Racing’s strengthened team strategy. With multiple accomplished drivers driving for the group, the team’s focus on qualifying speed and race execution signals their commitment to competing at the highest level.
For LaJoie, this opportunity may serve as a critical stepping stone as he balances racing ambitions, family commitments, and his growing ventures beyond the track. His focus on staying present and adaptable will be essential as the racing season progresses and opportunities evolve for both him and the RFK Racing team.
