Corey LaJoie was called upon to fill the seat of Brad Keselowski, who is sidelined with an injury, for the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. Taking the wheel of the No. 6 Solomon Plumbing Ford Mustang Dark Horse for RFK Racing, LaJoie addressed the media ahead of practice about this standout RFK Racing driver opportunity, expressing both excitement and readiness for the challenge.
Embracing a Sudden Chance in the Spotlight
LaJoie spoke candidly about being tapped by RFK Racing in a moment when his path in the sport seemed uncertain.
“I think it’s house money. I was gonna be a carbon guy, still working on that and still working on standing up a business over there at dad’s shop. Just when I was almost not content per se, but starting to grasp the idea that the window is closed being a race car driver then this opportunity arose. I hate it for Brad. I saw him yesterday and he’s as sharp as he’s ever been. He’s getting around well, so I’m excited for him to be back in the fold next week, but this opportunity has been awesome. I think there’s always pressure. If you don’t feel the pressure, then you don’t understand the gravity of what the opportunity is, and just to remind myself that I’ve been doing it for 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 I can do a good job is certainly an honor. It’s been cool to be in the mix and prep in the sim again, kind of knocking the rust off, but when the rubber hits the road here shortly hopefully we shake out pretty good.”
— Corey LaJoie, Driver
Despite the circumstances behind his sudden call-up, LaJoie emphasized both the pressure he feels stepping into such a significant position and the pride in being trusted with the No. 6 car by the RFK Racing team.
Finding Direction Amid Career Changes
The journey for LaJoie has not always been straightforward. Transitioning through evolving roles within racing and personal life, he opened up about facing identity questions and shifting future goals.
“That’s a daily wrestle because it’s pretty straightforward when you’re chasing being a race car driver. If you rewind to 2012 when we won here in the ARCA car, the whole road map was more or less planned – you do whatever you could possibly do to be a Cup driver. To be a Cup winner and a Cup champion was the goal. I got close. I reached the top of the spear as I had hoped. I wish there was always more, but transitioning, not necessarily voluntarily, but transitioning to Prime, that group was unbelievable. I’m excited to run it back with those guys. I’m doing some truck stuff. Hanging out with my kids more. I’m trying to stand up a business. All of these things are learning experiences and ultimately it’s just taught me to hold things much looser of what I feel like I need to take my life and just honestly let the Lord take it. If that’s as a race car driver for the next couple weeks, great. I’m gonna give everything I’ve got to that opportunity, and if it’s the next thing, then I’ll just hold it loosely and just be present with every passing day because it is ever changing. 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 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, and I’m glad I get to have that clear-cut goal for the next two weeks.”
— Corey LaJoie, Driver
LaJoie’s reflections highlight the uncertainties many professional athletes face and his appreciation for being able to pursue new opportunities, both in racing and personal ventures.
Tackling Team Dynamics Ahead of the Daytona 500
Looking beyond Bowman Gray, LaJoie will pilot the No. 99 car at the Daytona 500, where greater team collaboration comes into play with the support of seasoned superspeedway teammates, including Brad Keselowski, Chris Buescher, and Ryan.
“It gives me a lot of confidence. I went down there with no friends and made the race as an Open car my first time. I went there last year with relatively no friends with Rick and we executed the Duels great and we made the race, so to have more or less a factory supported Ford car to try to make the race, and just strength in numbers is why RFK is doing it, and to have Brad and Chris and Ryan, all three, no matter how the Duels shake out, I feel like we’re gonna have some good backup to put ourselves in a good position, but we also can’t let our guard down. We’ve got to press and we’ve got to go attack to make sure we cover everybody else, but I know the guys at the shop, even today, are working on the 500 car to make sure that thing can go qualify in on speed on Wednesday night. I know that’s the priority for the team, but, for me, I go down there with all eyes focused on executing the details on Thursday night to be in the race.”
— Corey LaJoie, Driver
Having the backing of a strong team at a major event like Daytona provides not only technical advantages but confidence as LaJoie approaches another critical test in his career.
What This Means for LaJoie, RFK Racing, and the Season Ahead
This opportunity to race for RFK Racing pushes LaJoie back into the NASCAR Cup Series spotlight, with the immediate chance to compete at Bowman Gray and then in the prestigious Daytona 500. Brad Keselowski’s scheduled return next week means LaJoie’s window is short, but the experience allows him to showcase his abilities on a highly visible stage, supported by a close-knit team of drivers and crew.
As he juggles professional racing, family time with his kids, and launching a business effort in his dad’s shop, LaJoie enters these races with renewed focus and determination. His performance this week, and at Daytona, could have a significant impact on his trajectory in the sport and further solidify his role as a capable, reliable contributor whenever teams in NASCAR call upon his talents.
