Corey LaJoie, once uncertain about the future of his racing career, is now stepping up for an unexpected RFK Racing NASCAR opportunity as the 2026 season begins. At 34, LaJoie had been preparing to enter the business world before accepting roles as a relief driver for Brad Keselowski and driving a fourth entry at the Daytona 500.
LaJoie Returns to Cup Action with RFK Racing
Leading up to the 2026 Cup Series season, LaJoie had shifted his focus toward starting a carbon fiber business, suspecting his time behind the wheel might be ending. However, RFK Racing soon approached him for key roles in the upcoming races. On February 4, LaJoie will drive the #6 Ford at the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium as a substitute for Keselowski, who is recovering from injury. He will then switch to the #99 RFK Racing Ford for the Daytona 500 on February 15, marking another major moment in his career.
Reflecting on the timing of this new chance, LaJoie explained his mindset:
“Just when I was almost, not content per se, but starting to grasp the idea that the window is closing on being a race car driver, then this opportunity arose,”
Corey LaJoie, NASCAR driver.
LaJoie explored other avenues in the sport after not securing a full-time Cup ride for 2025. He made part-time starts in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, contributed as a NASCAR on Prime analyst, and launched his business. Yet, the call from RFK Racing reignited his drive, with LaJoie eager to make the most of every chance he receives.
LaJoie expressed appreciation for the renewed clarity the competition brings:
“It’s been fun. It’s been a confusing journey of sorts lately, but it’s been nice to have a central focus. Whether it be this week preparing for The Clash or certainly next week for the [Daytona] 500 to really lock in and focus. In racing, your goals are really clear. It’s to prepare and do a better job than the next guy. I’m glad I get to have that clear, cut goal for the next two weeks,”
Corey LaJoie, NASCAR driver.
Brad Keselowski’s Injury Creates a Chance
Kicking off this opportunity was Brad Keselowski’s offseason injury. During a ski trip in December, the 2012 Cup Series champion suffered a broken leg, making his start to 2026 uncertain. Although Keselowski aims to recover in time for the Daytona 500, he will miss the Cook Out Clash, leaving the #6 Ford open for LaJoie’s return to top-tier NASCAR racing.
LaJoie acknowledged both the honor and the weight of filling in for such a high-profile driver, stating the magnitude of this opportunity:
“If you don’t feel the pressure, then you don’t understand the gravity of what the opportunity is. Just remind myself that I’ve been doing it a long time and I’ve been doing it at a high level, so for those guys to tap me as the guy that can be in the 6 car and feel like can do a good job is certainly an honor,”
Corey LaJoie, NASCAR driver.
Uncertain Future Beyond the Daytona 500
While these roles with RFK Racing signal a positive turn, there have been no public announcements about additional Cup Series races for LaJoie after the Daytona event. The North Carolina native has put together an 11-year Cup Series career with 276 starts, earning 11 top-10 finishes and placing 25th in the 2023 standings. For now, LaJoie remains focused on these critical weeks, embracing each drive as it comes amid a constantly shifting landscape.
The story of Corey LaJoie’s return highlights the unpredictable nature of motorsports careers, with opportunities arriving in unexpected ways. As Keselowski works to heal and RFK Racing adapts, LaJoie’s ability to seize this brief but significant moment illustrates both the challenges and rewards facing seasoned drivers in NASCAR.
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
Corey LaJoie says he was just starting to grasp the window may be closed for being a race car driver, but the opportunity arose to sub for Brad Keselowski in the No. 6 car.
He says this is a "house money" situation to him.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) February 4, 2026
.@CoreyLaJoie says it’s been a fun and confusing journey recently that led him to substitute drive the @RFKracing 6 and attempt the Daytona 500 in the No. 99 Ford. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/blwNSrDPGi
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) February 4, 2026
RFK Racing Statement on Brad Keselowski Injury: pic.twitter.com/veACGdLpf5
— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) December 19, 2025
Short answer- NO
Long answer- I don’t currently have a valid NASCAR driver’s license. Scheduled to take the different tests end of the week. Must pass to drive the car at DAYTONA or anywhere else.
Big week ahead https://t.co/T4Us4hVjV7
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) February 2, 2026
