Corey LaJoie is set to join the RFK Racing NASCAR team in 2026, targeting a major breakthrough at Daytona after years with smaller organizations. With this move, he hopes to demonstrate his talent by finally competing with top-tier equipment in NASCAR’s most prestigious race.
A Long Path Through Multiple Teams
Throughout his career, LaJoie has raced for a variety of smaller outfits, including Rick Ware Racing, Spire Motorsports, Go Fas Racing, TriStar Motorsports, BK Racing, and Randy Humphrey Racing. He also made a notable one-off start for Hendrick Motorsports at Gateway in 2023, finishing 21st. This path, marked by underfunded teams, left questions among fans and insiders regarding whether LaJoie’s results were due to lack of skill or insufficient resources to show his true potential.
A New Chapter with Championship-Level Support
By aligning with RFK Racing, LaJoie is set to receive the kind of organizational backing and race-winning equipment often necessary to compete for top positions. The Daytona 500 will mark his first real chance to race as part of a high-profile team, and it arrives on a track where he has previously performed solidly.
Joining Forces with Proven Daytona Competitors
LaJoie will pilot the No. 99 Ford Mustang, sharing the RFK Racing banner at Daytona with Brad Keselowski, Chris Buescher, and Ryan Preece—drivers who each have a record of superspeedway success. Sharing expectations for his new opportunity, LaJoie said,
It gives me a lot of confidence. I went down there with no friends and made the race as an Open car for the first time. I went there last year with relatively no friends with Rick, and we executed the Duels great, and we made the race.
— Corey LaJoie, Driver.
He added,
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… 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, 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.
Recent Attempts and Narrow Misses
Earlier in the year, LaJoie nearly earned a chance to drive Keselowski’s No. 6 car in the main event of the Clash race at Bowman Gray, just before Daytona. The Last Chance Qualifier was fiercely contested, with AJ Allmendinger, Austin Cindric, and LaJoie battling for the final position. Ultimately, Josh Berry surged ahead, overtaking them for the coveted spot.
During the intense late laps, Allmendinger maintained second behind Berry, while LaJoie made a move that pushed Allmendinger aside, paving the way for Cindric to challenge as well. Ultimately, Cindric secured the transfer position behind Berry, leaving LaJoie finishing third in the Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford and Allmendinger fourth in the Kaulig Racing Chevrolet, both missing the main event by a narrow margin.
High Stakes for LaJoie at Daytona
Coming up short in the Clash marked another setback, but Daytona presents a crucial opportunity for LaJoie. Performing well at the 500 could secure additional starts this Cup season and validate those who believe his previous results reflected his equipment, not his skill. On the other hand, another disappointing showing would reinforce skepticism about his potential at NASCAR’s top level.
The Road Ahead with RFK Racing
LaJoie’s partnership with RFK Racing NASCAR team at Daytona places him in a pivotal moment. Succeeding in the No. 99 Ford Mustang could reshape his reputation, while also proving how much team backing can influence a driver’s trajectory in elite motorsports. For now, all eyes remain on Daytona, where LaJoie aims to turn opportunity into glory.
