Corey LaJoie’s NASCAR career took an unexpected turn ahead of the 2026 season when RFK Racing offered him a rare opportunity after a period of uncertainty. The 34-year-old, who had been shifting focus toward launching a carbon fiber business, will serve as a relief driver for the injured Brad Keselowski in the upcoming Cook Out Clash and will also compete in the Daytona 500 behind the wheel of the #99 car.
LaJoie Steps in as Keselowski Recovers from Offseason Injury
Brad Keselowski, the 2012 Cup Series champion, suffered a broken leg during a ski trip in December, casting doubt over his availability for the start of the 2026 season. While Keselowski hopes to return in time for the February 15 Daytona 500, he will miss the Cook Out Clash taking place earlier that week. This situation opened the door for LaJoie to drive the #6 RFK Racing Ford in Keselowski’s absence.
LaJoie expressed both the pressure and pride that come with stepping into the role.
“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,”
LaJoie said.
An Unexpected Second Chance After a Career Crossroads
Before this opportunity arose, LaJoie was coming to terms with the possibility that his Cup Series racing days might be ending. After failing to secure a full-time ride for 2025, he had been exploring other avenues, including part-time starts in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, serving as a NASCAR analyst on Prime Video, and developing his own carbon fiber business.
Reflecting on the sudden turnaround, LaJoie shared,
“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.”
The driver emphasized the value of embracing flexibility with opportunities and relishing the chance to refocus his ambitions.
“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,”
LaJoie added.
Limited Full-Time Prospects After Daytona 500 Entry
Although LaJoie will be competing in the February 15 Daytona 500 in a fourth RFK Racing entry, there are currently no plans for him to continue in the NASCAR Cup Series beyond that race in 2026. A native of North Carolina, he has accumulated 276 career starts in the Cup Series, achieving 11 top-10 finishes and reaching a career-best 25th place in the 2023 points standings.
This short-term role with RFK Racing offers LaJoie a renewed platform to demonstrate his ability and passion for racing, even as his long-term trajectory remains uncertain. With Keselowski’s recovery still underway, LaJoie’s return behind the wheel highlights the unpredictable nature of NASCAR careers and the importance of seizing timely chances when they arise.
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
