Corey LaJoie Steers RFK Racing's No. 6 Ford at Bowman Gray as Brad Keselowski Recovers from Injury

Corey LaJoie will step into the driver’s seat of the No. 6 Ford Mustang for RFK Racing at the upcoming pre-season exhibition race at Bowman Gray Stadium, filling in for an injured Brad Keselowski. Keselowski, co-owner of RFK Racing, sustained a broken leg in a skiing accident on December 18th and has since undergone successful surgery. While his recovery is progressing, the decision has been made for him to sit out the January event, allowing LaJoie to take the helm. The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium is scheduled to take place two weeks prior to the 68th running of the Daytona 500 on February 15th.

This strategic move by RFK Racing brings in a driver with significant experience and a notable history at the historic short track. LaJoie, who has amassed nearly 300 Cup Series starts, brings a diverse resume to the No. 6 machine. In the recently concluded 2025 season, he competed on a part-time basis in the Cup Series, making four starts, in addition to nine starts in the NASCAR Truck Series. Furthermore, LaJoie expanded his role within the sport by serving as an analyst for NASCAR on Prime Video.

LaJoie himself expressed his readiness to contribute, stating on social media, "Happy to be of service. Wishing BK a speedy recovery. Let’s go get another trophy at The Madhouse." This sentiment highlights his enthusiasm and the team’s collective focus on performance.

The "Madhouse," as Bowman Gray Stadium is colloquially known, holds a special place in LaJoie’s racing career. He secured a dominant victory there in 2012 in the ARCA East Series (then the K&N Pro Series East). In that event, LaJoie led an impressive 118 of the 153 laps, showcasing his prowess on the tight, challenging circuit. The field he bested that day included several drivers who are now prominent figures in the NASCAR Cup Series, such as Bubba Wallace, Kyle Larson, Daniel Suarez, and Chase Elliott. This past success at Bowman Gray Stadium provides a strong indicator of LaJoie’s capability to navigate the demanding conditions of the upcoming exhibition race.

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Last season, Brad Keselowski himself participated in the exhibition race at Bowman Gray Stadium, starting fifth and ultimately finishing in 21st position. While this result may not have been a podium finish, it underscored the team’s commitment to the event and its historical significance in the NASCAR calendar. LaJoie’s previous appearance in The Clash was during the 2024 season, when the event was held at the LA Memorial Coliseum. Driving for Spire Motorsports, he finished 17th in that contest.

The selection of Corey LaJoie for the No. 6 Ford Mustang is not merely a fill-in role but a calculated decision that leverages his specific skill set. Bowman Gray Stadium, with its notoriously tight confines and demanding racing surface, often favors drivers who can adapt quickly and maintain composure under pressure. LaJoie’s past performance at the track suggests he possesses these qualities. His experience across different series and his recent involvement in media further contribute to his understanding of the broader racing landscape.

RFK Racing, co-owned by Brad Keselowski and Jack Roush, has been actively working to re-establish itself as a competitive force in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team has made significant strides in recent seasons, and the No. 6 car, under Keselowski’s leadership and now with LaJoie at the wheel for this event, represents a key component of their strategy. The early-season exhibition races, while not counting towards championship points, serve as crucial opportunities for teams to fine-tune their equipment, test new strategies, and build momentum heading into the official start of the season.

The injury to Brad Keselowski is a setback, particularly given his integral role as both a driver and a team principal. However, the sport of NASCAR has a well-documented history of drivers stepping up to fill voids, and Corey LaJoie is a capable replacement. His ability to adapt to different cars and track types, coupled with his personal familiarity with Bowman Gray Stadium, positions him to deliver a competitive performance for RFK Racing. The team’s focus will undoubtedly be on maximizing their track time and gaining valuable insights from this unique short-track experience.

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season is shaping up to be a competitive one, and events like The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium offer an early glimpse into the form and capabilities of the teams and drivers. LaJoie’s presence in the No. 6 Ford will be closely watched, not only as a substitute for Keselowski but also as an opportunity for him to showcase his talents on a prominent stage. His previous success at the venue, coupled with RFK Racing’s ongoing development, creates an intriguing storyline as the NASCAR community prepares for the start of the new season. The team will be aiming for a strong showing to honor Keselowski’s commitment and to further their own competitive objectives.

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