Corey LaJoie has earned a significant Corey LaJoie RFK Racing opportunity, as he will pilot a newly introduced No. 99 Ford for RFK Racing in the 2026 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. The announcement comes as Brad Keselowski continues to recover from a ski trip injury that left him sidelined, resulting in RFK Racing looking to trusted alternatives for upcoming events.
The team’s confidence in LaJoie was evident when he was named as Keselowski’s stand-in for the Clash. However, rather than waiting to evaluate his performance, RFK Racing has opted to place further faith in LaJoie, granting him the prestigious Daytona 500 seat to start the season on February 15 alongside regular drivers Chris Buescher, Brad Keselowski, and Ryan Preece.
Return of the No. 99 and New Sponsorship for LaJoie
The No. 99 returns to RFK Racing after more than a decade, last raced in this stable by Carl Edwards in 2014. Daniel Suárez carried the number more recently during his multi-year run with Trackhouse Racing, but it has not been issued by RFK since Edwards’ era.
LaJoie’s campaign at Daytona will feature sponsorship from Trimble, an American technology and vehicle-tracking company. Trimble is set to be a primary backer for 11 races in the upcoming season, expanding its involvement in the NASCAR Cup Series and supporting LaJoie’s high-profile opportunity on one of racing’s grandest stages.
LaJoie’s Experience and Excitement for the Daytona 500
LaJoie, who has yet to finish higher than fourth at the Daytona 500, is enthusiastic about this chance to compete for a top team. Reflecting on what the opportunity means, he shared,
This is a dream come true to get an opportunity with RFK Racing at the Daytona 500. 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
His excitement was also clear in his social media post,
Nothing like leading the 500 when the sun goes down. Fired up to head south on a STEED.
—Corey LaJoie, Driver
The 34-year-old veteran has competed in nine Daytona 500s, most recently achieving a top-five result in 2024 when driving the No. 7 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports. LaJoie has accumulated three Daytona 500 top-10 finishes, with additional strong performances at other drafting tracks like Talladega and Atlanta—accounting for nine of his 11 career top-10s in the Cup Series.
RFK Racing’s Team Strategy for Superspeedway Success
RFK Racing’s move to field a fourth car in the form of the No. 99 represents a strategic shift aimed at maximizing their competitive edge on superspeedways. With additional entries, the organization can employ drafting alliances on track, manage multiple racing lanes, and increase their presence at the crucial finish, enhancing the odds of landing a win.
The addition of LaJoie strengthens their lineup for the Daytona 500, as his proven track record at drafting venues and blend of experience and enthusiasm are expected to complement the efforts of teammates Brad Keselowski, Chris Buescher, and Ryan Preece. The organization’s confidence in LaJoie points toward a deliberate approach to teamwork and perseverance that could pay off greatly on race day.
This expanded effort could give RFK Racing greater influence during the highly unpredictable Daytona 500, and LaJoie’s drive to seize his best shot yet may provide the team with exactly the edge they need when the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season opens next February.
Nothing like leading the 500 when the sun goes down.
Fired up to head south on a STEED. https://t.co/yJKEBONX4P
— Corey LaJoie (@CoreyLaJoie) January 20, 2026
