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Corey LaJoie will take the wheel of the No. 6 Ford Mustang for RFK Racing in the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series exhibition race at Bowman Gray Stadium, stepping in for driver and co-owner Brad Keselowski, who is continuing his recovery from a broken leg sustained in a skiing accident. The pre-season event, a traditional curtain-raiser to the NASCAR season, will see LaJoie compete in Keselowski’s absence, marking a significant opportunity for the driver.
The incident that led to Keselowski’s injury occurred on December 18th, when the veteran driver suffered a fractured tibia while skiing with his family. He underwent successful surgery shortly thereafter. While Keselowski’s primary focus is on a full recovery in time for the Daytona 500, scheduled for February 15th, the Bowman Gray Clash, taking place two weeks prior, necessitates a substitute driver for the No. 6 Ford.
LaJoie, a 34-year-old racer with nearly 300 Cup Series starts to his name, brings a wealth of experience to the role. In the recently concluded 2025 season, LaJoie competed on a part-time basis in the Cup Series, making four starts, and also participated in nine Truck Series events. In addition to his on-track endeavors, LaJoie has also taken on a role as an analyst for NASCAR on Prime Video, demonstrating his deep engagement with the sport from multiple perspectives.
Upon hearing the news, LaJoie expressed his willingness to fill in, 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 underscores the camaraderie within the NASCAR community and LaJoie’s readiness to contribute to RFK Racing’s efforts.
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LaJoie’s connection to Bowman Gray Stadium extends beyond his current role as a substitute driver. He has a proven track record at the historic short track, having secured a dominant victory in the 2012 ARCA East (then known as the K&N East) Series race. In that event, LaJoie led an impressive 118 of the 153 laps, outpacing a field that included several drivers he will likely face in the upcoming Clash, such as Bubba Wallace, Kyle Larson, Daniel Suarez, and Chase Elliott. This past success at Bowman Gray Stadium could prove to be a valuable asset for LaJoie and RFK Racing.
The Bowman Gray Clash, often referred to as "The Madhouse" due to its tight confines and often unpredictable racing, presents a unique challenge for drivers. Its reputation for close-quarters competition and the potential for unexpected outcomes makes it a compelling event to kick off the season. Last year, Brad Keselowski started fifth in the exhibition race at Bowman Gray and finished 21st, highlighting the demanding nature of the circuit.
LaJoie’s most recent appearance in The Clash was during the 2024 season when the event was held at the LA Memorial Coliseum. Driving for Spire Motorsports at the time, he finished 17th. His experience in different racing formats and venues, coupled with his specific success at Bowman Gray, positions him as a capable substitute for Keselowski.
RFK Racing, co-owned by Brad Keselowski and NASCAR Hall of Famer Jack Roush, has been steadily building its presence in the Cup Series. The team has focused on developing its infrastructure and driver lineup to compete consistently at the highest level. Keselowski’s injury, while a setback, presents an opportunity for LaJoie to showcase his talent behind the wheel of a competitive RFK Racing Ford Mustang.
The decision to have LaJoie pilot the No. 6 signifies RFK Racing’s confidence in his abilities and his familiarity with the team’s operations. While the full implications of Keselowski’s absence for the initial part of the season are yet to be seen, the organization’s strategic approach to driver substitutions demonstrates a commitment to maintaining performance and maximizing opportunities even in challenging circumstances.
The NASCAR Cup Series season officially commences with the Daytona 500, but exhibition races like The Clash serve as crucial testing grounds and provide an early glimpse of team capabilities and driver form. LaJoie’s participation in this high-profile event at Bowman Gray Stadium offers him a platform to contribute to RFK Racing’s objectives and to further solidify his position within the sport. His past success at the venue, combined with his extensive Cup Series experience, suggests that he will be a formidable competitor, aiming to deliver a strong performance for the team and a speedy recovery for Brad Keselowski.
The selection of LaJoie also highlights the evolving landscape of driver roles within NASCAR teams. With the increasing complexity of team operations and the demands on drivers, the ability to call upon experienced and capable substitutes is paramount. LaJoie’s dual role as a competitor and an analyst provides him with a comprehensive understanding of the sport, which can be beneficial both on and off the track.
As the NASCAR world prepares for the Bowman Gray Clash, all eyes will be on the No. 6 Ford Mustang, now under the guidance of Corey LaJoie. His objective will be to navigate the tight confines of "The Madhouse" and represent RFK Racing effectively, while the team and its fans eagerly anticipate Brad Keselowski’s return to racing form. The exhibition race serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the sport, with LaJoie stepping up to ensure the No. 6 remains a competitive force.
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