Corey LaJoie, a veteran NASCAR driver who has competed across all three national series, is seizing a surprising opportunity with RFK Racing following an offseason injury to co-owner and driver Brad Keselowski. This development allows LaJoie, who has yet to claim a victory after 303 starts mostly with mid-tier teams, to step into a competitive car and potentially redefine his career path, shining a spotlight on the Corey LaJoie RFK Racing opportunity.
Keselowski’s Injury Ushers in New Prospects
Brad Keselowski, former Cup Series champion and an integral part of RFK Racing, suffered a broken leg in a skiing accident during the offseason. His focus remained fixed on returning in time for the Daytona 500 in Florida, but the uncertainty about his recovery left the No. 6 RFK Ford Mustang Dark Horse in need of a substitute driver. During this period, LaJoie, who had already been in conversations with the team about a potential part-time role in 2026, became the frontrunner to fill in, especially for the annual Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, scheduled two weeks before Daytona.
LaJoie’s readiness for this high-profile assignment was a result of ongoing discussions. He revealed that he had entertained multiple talks for the upcoming season, primarily with mid-level teams in the O’Reilly’s Auto Parts Series and others. However, as LaJoie himself stated,
“I entertained some conversations, but nothing really got any traction,”
Corey LaJoie, Driver. His longstanding rapport with Brad Keselowski also played a significant role, as LaJoie described Keselowski as both a supporter and a source of advice. LaJoie shared,
“So he had always…I’d say since right about the start of the Playoffs last year, we had been talking about trying to run five or six [superspeedway] races this year. Cause Brad feels like they get to the end of these races and they (the Fords) don’t have strength in numbers to work together relative to [Chevrolets] or Toyotas.”
Corey LaJoie, Driver.
Breaking News Sparks New Arrangements
As the offseason progressed, LaJoie remained cautious not to push too hard for the opportunity, observing,
“I’m not going to be pressing because that’s when I get really anxious, is when I try to just move pieces on the board that probably aren’t meant to be moved or try to leverage relationships,”
Corey LaJoie, Driver. A pivotal moment came just before the holiday season, when LaJoie met with Chip Bowers, RFK Racing’s newly appointed president as of September 2025. During their coffee meeting, LaJoie received an urgent call about Keselowski’s injury.
“He got the call from Brad that he just broke his femur,”
Corey LaJoie, Driver.
This prompted Bowers to signal to LaJoie that unexpected decisions would soon follow. Soon after, Keselowski contacted LaJoie directly, offering him a chance to pilot the RFK car at the annual Clash. The uncertainty lingered over whether LaJoie would also be required to race at Daytona, as details about Keselowski’s recovery emerged. LaJoie noted Keselowski’s relentless spirit when it came to competing, emphasizing,
“Brad could have his leg amputated, and he’s going to do all he can to run the Daytona 500. That’s just what you do when you’re a racecar driver.”
Launch of a New Chapter with RFK Racing
Once it seemed likely Keselowski would return in time for Daytona, RFK Racing shifted focus to expanding its fleet, specifically with the fourth car program for the Clash. The effort attracted Trimble, a growing in-house partner, who signed on to support the initiative. LaJoie recounted,
“So once it looked hopeful that Brad was going to be able to recover and go to the 500, they then push play on the fourth car efforts. And they got it sold to Trimble, an in-house partner. They’ve been trying to grow. And they called me to do it.”
Corey LaJoie, Driver.
LaJoie is now set to compete in the No. 99 RFK entry at Daytona, as well as the No. 6 at Bowman Gray, weather permitting. The total number of races he will drive for RFK this season has not been finalized. This opportunity comes after recent stints representing Rick Ware Racing in the Cup Series and Spire Motorsports in the Truck Series, mostly on a part-time basis. While this deal is not for a full season, it marks a significant advancement for LaJoie, who described the vehicle awaiting him as
“the best thing I’ve ever sat in my entire life,”
Corey LaJoie, Driver.
Implications for LaJoie and RFK Racing
This surprising turn not only spotlights LaJoie’s perseverance as a journeyman but also positions RFK Racing to navigate potential recovery delays for their co-owner Keselowski. The collaboration signals a strategic and flexible approach by the team, opening up possible further involvement for LaJoie if similar needs arise. As RFK continues to expand, and with new partners such as Trimble joining forces, the organization is demonstrating an ability to adapt swiftly in the competitive NASCAR landscape. The coming season will reveal whether this partnership leads to more opportunities for LaJoie and whether it can finally propel him to his long-awaited first victory lane finish.
