NASCAR veteran Corey LaJoie is making his highly anticipated Corey LaJoie Daytona Truck return, joining Henderson Motorsports for the season-opening Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway on February 23. The 100-lap NASCAR Truck Series event will begin at 7:30 pm ET and air on FS1, marking an energetic new chapter for both LaJoie and Henderson’s program.
LaJoie Teams Up With Henderson for Truck Series Return
LaJoie will pilot a truck supported by Built.com, Alliance Driveaway Solutions, and Kingdom Truck Sales, reuniting with several longtime partners. This opportunity reunites him with experienced crew chief Chris Carrier. Henderson Motorsports, who found themselves at the center of attention last year with Parker Kligerman’s post-race disqualification for an illegal ride height after a supposed victory, look to start the new season with a fresh slate and a proven driver.
LaJoie weighed in on the partnership and his motivation for the return:
“It’s been fun putting this deal together for many reasons. Parker (Kligerman) is a good friend, and it’s cool to pick up the baton from where he left off last year. Involving longtime friends and partners like Built.com and Alliance Driveaway really makes it a family outing. We’re ready to put the 75 in the wind and see what we’ve got.”
His enthusiasm is evident as he takes over the ride from Kligerman, a friend and former winner at Daytona. The NASCAR Truck Series opener promises to be an intense contest, especially as Henderson Motorsports and LaJoie seek to restore their reputation after last year’s technical setback.
LaJoie’s Daytona Track Record and Cup Ambitions
With 26 starts at Daytona, including a career highlight top five in the Daytona 500, Corey LaJoie brings considerable superspeedway experience to the Truck field. The Fresh From Florida 250 launches the 68th year of this iconic raceweek, drawing drivers and teams from across the sport. Fans can tune in for live coverage on FS1 and keep up via MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
This season also sees LaJoie attempting to qualify for the 2026 Daytona 500 as part of a special fourth entry for RFK Racing. He will drive the No. 99 car, marking that number’s return to the storied team for the first time since Carl Edwards ran it in 2014. RFK Racing, one of NASCAR’s major organizations, is entrusting LaJoie during a pivotal period as the sport’s top race approaches.
Filling In for Keselowski and Pulling Double Duty with RFK
Adding to his busy Speedweeks, LaJoie is also set to substitute for Brad Keselowski in the upcoming Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. Keselowski, who is recovering from a broken leg sustained during a skiing accident, explained the incident:
“It’s kind of a freak accident. I just fell perfectly on a spot that broke my leg,” Keselowski said in a team release. “I wish it was some cooler story than that, like jumping or doing something on the slopes. I think everybody thinks I did it on the slopes, which sounds a lot cooler than the actual story I have, but it just was a freak accident.”
LaJoie will drive the No. 6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for the Cook Out Clash, the unofficial opener for the Cup Series, which is set for February 1 at 8 pm ET. Radio coverage is available on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, ensuring fans won’t miss a moment of the debut at this unique short track event.
LaJoie’s Recent Experience and Goals for 2026 Season
Between 2019 and 2024, Corey LaJoie has built a strong NASCAR Cup Series record, amassing 276 starts. Last year, he not only competed in four Cup events with Rick Ware Racing but also drove in nine Truck Series races for Spire Motorsports, showing his adaptability across the garage. As a Concord, North Carolina native, his return to prominent seats underscores his persistent drive and veteran credentials.
RFK Racing’s confidence in LaJoie has not gone unnoticed. LaJoie expressed his gratitude for their trust in him:
“This is a dream come true to get an opportunity with RFK Racing” Corey LaJoie said in a statement. “I’m grateful for the trust they’ve placed in me.”
The team, known for its success with drivers like Brad Keselowski and the popular No. 99 once steered by Carl Edwards, aims to make a strong statement in 2026, with LaJoie playing a pivotal role.
What Fans Can Expect From LaJoie’s Daytona Truck Return
Anticipation is running high as Corey LaJoie pairs with Henderson Motorsports and reconnects with trusted partners for his Truck Series return to Daytona. Given LaJoie’s extensive experience and the team’s determination to overcome last year’s controversy, fans and industry insiders can expect a passionate and fierce performance. With two major events—the Fresh From Florida 250 and the Daytona 500—on his calendar, and an opportunity to step up for Keselowski, LaJoie’s 2026 campaign is shaping up to be one of the most compelling stories for NASCAR devotees.
If LaJoie succeeds in these early-season events, it may signal renewed momentum not only for his own career but for Henderson Motorsports and RFK Racing as well. All eyes will be on Daytona as the season’s intensity kicks into high gear.
