rifan muazinDAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – RFK Racing, a prominent team in the NASCAR Cup Series, has announced a significant expansion of its presence at the 68th running of the Daytona 500, scheduled for February. In addition to its established entries driven by Chris Buescher (No. 17), Ryan Preece (No. 60), and team co-owner Brad Keselowski (No. 6), RFK Racing will field a fourth, open entry. This additional car will be piloted by Corey LaJoie, who will attempt to qualify for NASCAR’s most prestigious race in the iconic No. 99 Ford Mustang.
The reintroduction of the No. 99 to RFK Racing’s stable carries considerable historical weight. While the number has recently been associated with Trackhouse Racing and driver Daniel Suarez from 2021 to 2025, its legacy within the Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) organization is deep and storied. The last driver to compete with the No. 99 under the Roush banner was Ryan Reed, who made a single start in the 2016 season. However, it was the tenures of Carl Edwards and Jeff Burton that cemented the No. 99’s place in NASCAR lore with Roush. Together, these two drivers achieved a remarkable 40 victories while at the helm of the No. 99, showcasing its potential for success.
For Corey LaJoie, this opportunity represents a significant step forward in his Daytona 500 aspirations. He brings a wealth of experience at the superspeedway, having made nine previous starts in the Great American Race. His best performance to date came in the 2024 edition of the Daytona 500, where he secured a strong fourth-place finish. Notably, LaJoie was in contention for a top-five position in last year’s event before being caught in a last-lap incident that impacted several competitors. His connection with RFK Racing is further solidified by his recent appointment as the substitute driver for the No. 6 entry in the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, filling in for Brad Keselowski as he recovers from a leg injury.
Team co-owner Brad Keselowski emphasized the strategic advantages of fielding a fourth car in the Daytona 500. "From a competition standpoint, having a fourth car gives us and Ford Racing a better chance to win the Daytona 500," Keselowski stated. "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."
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The decision to run four cars in the Daytona 500 marks a return to a strategy RFK Racing last employed in 2012, a year that culminated in victory with driver Matt Kenseth. This historical precedent underscores the team’s belief in the efficacy of a multi-car approach at Daytona.
Should LaJoie successfully qualify for the Daytona 500, it will mark his 277th career start at the NASCAR Cup Series level. The field of open entries for the Daytona 500 is expected to be highly competitive, making LaJoie’s potential qualification a noteworthy achievement in itself.
LaJoie expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity. "This is a dream come true to get an opportunity with RFK Racing at the Daytona 500," he commented. "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."
The No. 99 Ford Mustang that LaJoie will pilot will feature Trimble as its primary sponsor for the Daytona 500 event. This partnership provides crucial support for the expanded effort, underscoring the commercial significance of the team’s investment.
The addition of LaJoie and the No. 99 entry to RFK Racing’s Daytona 500 lineup signifies a strategic push to maximize their chances of victory in one of motorsports’ most challenging and unpredictable races. The team’s commitment to fielding four cars reflects a deep understanding of superspeedway dynamics and a desire to leverage collective strength. LaJoie’s proven performance at Daytona, coupled with the historical success of the No. 99, creates a compelling narrative as the team heads into Speedweeks. The focus will now shift to the qualifying events and the Duel races, where LaJoie will need to demonstrate his capability to secure a starting spot in the main event against a formidable field of competitors. The strategic implications of an additional RFK car in drafting and race management will be closely watched by teams and fans alike as the pursuit of a Daytona 500 victory intensifies.
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