Corey LaJoie makes Daytona 500 announcement ahead – Sports News
Corey LaJoie can also be set to take Brad Keselowski’s place at Bowman Gray (Image: Getty)
With Corey LaJoie already within the building, getting ready to fill in for Brad Keselowski within the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Grey Stadium, RFK Racing has opted to keep the 34-year-old round a little longer.
The workforce introduced on Tuesday that LaJoie, who final competed full-time within the Cup Series in 2024, would tackle a fourth open entry on the season-opening Daytona 500 in Florida on Feb. 15, driving the No. 99 Ford Mustang Dark Horse.
The No. 99 was vacated after the 2025 season, with Daniel Suarez leaving Trackhouse Racing for Spire Motorsports, the place he’ll pilot the No. No. 7 Chevrolet ZL1 as a substitute.
As famous within the workforce’s press release, the No. 99 has a long historical past with RFK, having run with them between 1996 and 2014, making it to victory lane on 40 events throughout the period, together with 17 wins courtesy of 2000 Daytona 500 runner-up, Jeff Burton.
Carl Edwards then went on so as to add to Burton’s tally, selecting up one other 23 wins within the No. 99 for RFK, ending a best of second within the 500 in 2011. He additionally managed two second-place finishes within the No. 99 in ‘The Chase’ for the championship during this period — a format which has lately returned.
LaJoie is but to complete larger than fourth on the Daytona 500 (Image: Getty)
“From a competition standpoint, having a fourth car gives us and Ford Racing a better chance to win the Daytona 500,” RFK driver and co-owner Keselowski mentioned, as he continues to get better from a damaged leg suffered whereas snowboarding.
“It’s not just about adding another entry. Superspeedway racing is about cooperation and having an additional car allows us to be more effective in forming drafting alliances, controlling lanes, and putting ourselves in position when it matters most.”
As for LaJoie, who has but to complete larger than fourth on the Daytona 500, he described this as “a dream come true to get an opportunity with RFK Racing at the Daytona 500. “This is without a doubt, the best car and opportunity I’ve had at Daytona. I’m grateful for the trust they’ve placed in me.”
He later shared a photograph of the Daytona 500 on social media captioned, “Nothing like leading the 500 when the sun goes down. Fired up to head south on a STEED.”
Team president Chip Bowers additionally weighed in on the choice, saying, “Daytona is the one race where preparation and teamwork are amplified.
“Corey’s familiarity with our systems and people, combined with Trimble’s collaboration, allows us to be bold, aggressive and committed. This is a well-planned extension of our overall Daytona strategy.”
Technology company Trimble will function LaJoie’s major sponsor for the occasion, with company CEO Heather Adkins saying, “We are leveling up with RFK Racing by taking center stage at the Daytona 500.
“This event represents the pinnacle of performance and precision – values that remain at the crossover of our audiences. We are proud to power this expanded effort and excited to showcase Trimble’s commitment to excellence on the biggest platform in racing.”
Along with LaJoie (assuming he qualifies) and hopefully, Keselowski, seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson can also be set to compete, whereas JR Motorsports’ Justin Allgaier, Beard Motorsports’ Anthony Alfredo, MBM Motorsports’ Casey Mears, NY Racing’s J.J. Yeley, and Live Fast Motorsports’ BJ McLeod will all attempt to qualify.
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