Corey LaJoie, a native of Concord, North Carolina, has announced a collaboration with Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing to compete in the 2026 Daytona Speedweeks, aiming to secure a place in the RFK Racing Daytona 500 as an open entry. LaJoie will take the wheel of the No. 99 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, which is set to be sponsored by Trimble at the Daytona International Speedway, entering this high-profile NASCAR event without a charter and needing to qualify on performance alone.
To secure a place on the starting grid of the 68th Daytona 500, labeled as the Great American Race, LaJoie must emerge as the top finishing open competitor during the Daytona 500 Qualifying on February 11, or prevail in one of the two America 250 Florida Duel events scheduled for February 12.
LaJoie’s Recent Racing Background and Daytona Legacy
LaJoie, 34, is coming off recent part-time stretches in both the NASCAR Cup Series and Craftsman Truck Series, following his full-time Cup Series campaign in 2024. Over the past season, he entered nine Truck races with Spire Motorsports and participated in four Cup events for Rick Ware Racing. His recent Cup efforts included competing in the 67th Daytona 500, where a last-lap multi-car accident left him finishing 22nd while in contention for the win.
If LaJoie successfully qualifies for the 2026 Daytona 500, it will mark his 10th consecutive start in the event, underlining his consistency at the sport’s biggest stage. This year also marks a milestone for RFK Racing, as it will be the first time since their 2022 rebranding that the organization fields four separate cars in a single event.
LaJoie’s best result at the Daytona 500 came in 2024 when he claimed an impressive fourth place. A win in 2026 would not only represent his first career Cup Series triumph but would also make him the 10th driver to claim their maiden Cup Series victory at the Great American Race.
LaJoie and Team Leaders Share Optimism
Following news of his entry, LaJoie expressed his appreciation for the opportunity and confidence in the RFK Racing operation:
“This is a dream come true to get an opportunity with RFK Racing at the Daytona 500,”
LaJoie said in a released statement. — Corey LaJoie, Driver
“This is without a doubt, the best car and opportunity I’ve had at Daytona. I’m grateful for the trust they’ve placed in me.”
— Corey LaJoie, Driver
Brad Keselowski, co-owner of RFK Racing and a seasoned competitor himself, highlighted the competitive and strategic motivations behind adding a fourth car:
“From a competition standpoint, having a fourth car gives us and Ford Racing a better chance to win the Daytona 500,”
Keselowski said. — Brad Keselowski, Co-owner/Driver
“It’s not just about adding another entry. Superspeedway racing is about cooperation and having an additional car allows us to be more effective in forming drafting alliances, controlling lanes, and putting ourselves in position when it matters most.”
— Brad Keselowski, Co-owner/Driver
The Return of the No. 99 and RFK Racing’s Historic Connection
The choice to field the No. 99 Ford for LaJoie this year is also a nod to the team’s deep history with this car number. RFK Racing, previously known as Roush Racing and later Roush Fenway Racing, ran the No. 99 car from 1996 until 2014, racking up 39 wins—17 with Jeff Burton and 23 with Carl Edwards. In recent years, Daniel Suarez piloted the No. 99 with Trackhouse Racing, adding victories in 2022 and 2024.
Preparation for Daytona and Key Team Developments
Before the Daytona Speedweeks festivities, LaJoie will serve as an interim driver for Brad Keselowski in this year’s Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, while Keselowski recovers from a skiing injury that left him with a broken leg. Despite this setback, Keselowski, the 2012 Cup Series champion from Rochester Hills, Michigan, is expected to return to the track in time to challenge for his first Daytona 500 victory—his 17th attempt at the famous event.
Schedule and Broadcast Information for Daytona Events
The qualifying session for the 2026 Daytona 500 is slated for February 11, followed by the America 250 Florida Duel events on February 12 at 7 p.m. ET. Fans can follow the races on FS1, MRN, SiriusXM, and HBO MAX. The main event, the 68th running of the Daytona 500, is scheduled for February 15 with live coverage beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN, SiriusXM, and HBO MAX.
The Broader Impact on NASCAR’s Premier Event
LaJoie’s alliance with RFK Racing for the RFK Racing Daytona 500 attempt reflects a moment of ambition for both team and driver as they seek to leave their mark on the storied history of the Great American Race. With LaJoie bringing resilience and recent form, and RFK Racing expanding its roster, this development adds more intrigue and competition to one of motorsport’s most celebrated spectacles, promising fans and fellow competitors an exciting story when the green flag waves in 2026.
