Corey LaJoie is set to make a return to the Daytona 500 with RFK Racing, prompting heated reactions from NASCAR fans. The Corey LaJoie Daytona 500 announcement, confirming his drive in the No.99 car, has sparked debate across the racing community about driver selection and team strategy.
RFK Racing Brings Back No.99 with LaJoie behind the Wheel
RFK Racing revealed that the No.99 car will reappear for the 2026 Daytona 500, with Corey LaJoie at the helm for a one-off appearance. The team shared that LaJoie, a North Carolina native and their reserve driver, was previously on standby when Brad Keselowski faced family commitments last year, but did not get behind the wheel then. This season, LaJoie steps in for an injured Keselowski at The Clash hosted at Bowman Gray Stadium.
While Keselowski is expected to recover and return in time for the Daytona 500, RFK Racing confirmed on X that LaJoie would be driving the No.99 for the iconic race. They posted,
“A fourth car has entered the chat❗ In partnership with Trimble, Corey LaJoie will pilot the No. 99 in next month’s DAYTONA 500 🇺🇸”
RFK Racing’s move to field a fourth entry has fueled conversation throughout the NASCAR world, especially as this number has a storied history within the sport. Past drivers of the No.99 include racing veterans Carl Edwards and Jeff Burton when it was under Roush Racing. The number was most recently used by Daniel Suarez at Trackhouse Racing before he moved to Spire Motorsports, leaving the seat open.
Fans React Strongly to LaJoie’s Selection
The decision to give Corey LaJoie the wheel of No.99 has led to divided fan responses online. Some see the move as a missed opportunity for emerging drivers, while others defend LaJoie’s credentials and experience on superspeedways.
“Waste of a seat, when there’s so much younger talent,” a fan wrote.
“Corey Heim wins most races in series and truck series championship = No cup ride. Corey Lajoie truck series 2025 finishes = 5, 5, 20, 9, 8, 18, 8, 5, 7. Neither drove for Ford outside Lajoie’s RWR rides. Corey Lajoie takes out Spinhouse on lap 15 and we can enjoy the rest,” another commented.
“PLEASE NOOOOOO!! You will regret Corie!!! There’s a reason why he hasn’t been in a car for all this time. Hell, put me in the car I can give you more promise in the future,” an X user shared.
“To all the haters, just remember he had a legitimate shot to win it last year in Rick Ware equipment,” a fan penned.
“Great number to bring back and a very good Superspeedway driver to help out. Cool to see,” another fan wrote.
Despite the criticism, LaJoie brings proven ability to the team. He achieved a fourth-place finish at the 2024 Daytona 500 and was in contention for victory the prior year before being caught in a final-lap crash. His track record on superspeedways like Daytona has encouraged some fans, while others call for younger talent or different drivers to get the chance.
Kubelowski Shares Thoughts on LaJoie’s Temporary Role
Brad Keselowski, who is currently sidelined with a leg fracture sustained during a family ski trip, addressed LaJoie’s fill-in duties at The Clash. Keselowski explained his desire to avoid returning to racing without proper preparation and acknowledged what the opportunity means for LaJoie.
“I’m really proud of the team of people I have doing the rehab and the race team is working really hard. I’m happy for Corey to get this opportunity. I can’t wait to see what he does with it.”
With four cars on the track for RFK Racing at Daytona, drafting strategy and teamwork will likely play a significant role in their performance. LaJoie’s presence alongside experienced drivers could help the team maximize their collective efforts in one of NASCAR’s most challenging and closely-watched events.
The Impact of LaJoie’s Return on Daytona 500 Dynamics
Corey LaJoie’s inclusion for the Daytona 500 highlights RFK Racing’s willingness to take strategic risks and revisit historic team numbers. This move could reshape team alliances on the racetrack, and its outcome will be closely monitored by fans and industry insiders. The ongoing debate over talent selection underscores the intense passion among the NASCAR community, while the spotlight remains on LaJoie as he aims to make the most of the unexpected opportunity in the upcoming Daytona 500.
A fourth car has entered the chat❗
In partnership with Trimble, Corey LaJoie will pilot the No. 99 in next month's DAYTONA 500 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/fKGak8Wyp3
— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) January 20, 2026
Waste of a seat, when there's so much younger talent
— Andrew Vrablic (@AndrewVrablic) January 20, 2026
Corey Heim wins most races in series and truck series championship = No cup ride
Corey Lajoie truck series 2025 finishes = 5, 5, 20, 9, 8, 18, 8, 5, 7
Neither drove for Ford outside Lajoie's RWR rides.Corey Lajoie takes out Spinhouse on lap 15 and we can enjoy the rest.
— Banned White Guy (@BannedWhiteGuy) January 21, 2026
https://twitter.com/BDStillwell/status/2013759818448712131
To all the haters, just remember he had a legitimate shot to win it last year in Rick Ware equipment
— Connor Zilisch’s Right Foot (@ZilischFan_88) January 20, 2026
Great number to bring back and a very good Superspeedway driver to help out. Cool to see.
— Zach (@Team54Zach) January 20, 2026
