RFK Racing has announced a major expansion for the 2026 Daytona 500, adding a fourth car to its lineup with Corey LaJoie set to drive the No. 99 Ford Mustang. This RFK Racing Daytona 500 entry presents LaJoie, a native of Concord, North Carolina, with an unprecedented opportunity to make his 10th consecutive start at NASCAR’s flagship event, thanks to sponsorship from Trimble.
Corey LaJoie Takes on New Challenge with Iconic No. 99
Corey LaJoie, 34, regards this RFK Racing Daytona 500 entry as the greatest chance of his career to compete at the highest level. For the 2026 event, he will need to secure his spot as an open entry, either through the qualifying session on February 11 or by racing in the America 250 Duel events on February 12. Looking forward to this milestone, LaJoie 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
Reviving a Winning Legacy at RFK Racing
The No. 99 has a storied past with RFK Racing, having previously claimed 39 Cup Series victories under drivers Jeff Burton and Carl Edwards between 1996 and 2014. In recent years, the number was associated with Daniel Suarez and Trackhouse Racing, but it now returns to its historic home for the 2026 season. LaJoie’s strongest Daytona 500 performance came in 2024, when he finished fourth, while in 2025, his hopes ended in a last-lap crash after he had run near the front for much of the day. The addition also marks RFK’s first time fielding four cars since its rebranding in 2022, signifying a notable moment in the team’s development.
Tactical Edge with a Four-Car Lineup
RFK Racing co-owner Brad Keselowski, who is currently recovering from a skiing injury, explained the rationale behind the decision, stating,
“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, RFK Racing Co-owner. This four-car setup is especially advantageous at Daytona International Speedway, where teamwork and drafting strategy are essential to success.
Before the Daytona 500, LaJoie will substitute for Keselowski at the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1, giving him essential time behind the wheel of RFK equipment. In 2025, LaJoie competed part-time, including nine Truck Series races for Spire Motorsports and four Cup starts for Rick Ware Racing, making this full-scale Daytona effort a career highlight. His existing familiarity with the team’s personnel and systems is expected to provide an edge when the stakes are highest at Daytona.
Building on Teamwork and Sponsorship Strength
Chip Bowers, president of RFK Racing, emphasized the heightened importance of teamwork and preparation at the Daytona 500, saying,
“Daytona is the one race where preparation and teamwork are amplified,”
– Chip Bowers, RFK Racing President. He also highlighted the benefits of LaJoie’s integration into the RFK organization:
“Corey’s familiarity with our systems and people, combined with Trimble’s collaboration, allows us to be bold, aggressive and committed,”
– Chip Bowers, RFK Racing President.
Trimble’s support for this RFK Racing Daytona 500 entry is noteworthy, with primary sponsorship expanding from four events in 2025 to eleven in 2026, underlining increased investment in the team’s superspeedway ambitions. This partnership is part of RFK’s ongoing TeK Alliance program, linking cutting-edge technology with racing performance.
LaJoie Chases Historic Daytona 500 Victory
If Corey LaJoie secures his first career Cup Series victory at the 2026 Daytona 500, he will join an elite group as just the 10th driver in NASCAR history to notch their inaugural win in the sport’s biggest race. The synergistic effect of RFK Racing’s deep superspeedway experience, innovative tactics, and expanded driver roster positions LaJoie as a genuine contender for victory. The 68th running of the Daytona 500 takes place on February 15 at 2:30 p.m. ET, promising heightened excitement and the possibility of historic outcomes for RFK Racing and Corey LaJoie.
