RFK Racing Revives Iconic No. 99 for Daytona 500 with Corey LaJoie at the Wheel

RFK Racing is set to expand its presence at the 68th running of the Daytona 500, entering a fourth car into NASCAR’s most prestigious event. This strategic move will see driver Corey LaJoie piloting the No. 99 Ford Mustang, a number steeped in Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing history, as he aims to qualify for the season-opening race in February. This addition complements the established entries of Chris Buescher in the No. 17, Ryan Preece in the No. 60, and team co-owner Brad Keselowski in the No. 6.

The No. 99, while recently utilized by Trackhouse Racing and Daniel Suarez from 2021 through 2025, carries significant historical weight with the Roush organization. The last driver to compete with the No. 99 under the Roush banner was Ryan Reed for a single event in the 2016 season. However, the number’s most impactful tenure at Roush was with Carl Edwards and Jeff Burton, who together secured 40 victories while driving the iconic No. 99 Ford. This revival signifies a nod to the team’s heritage as it seeks to contend for a major victory.

For Corey LaJoie, the opportunity represents a significant step in his NASCAR Cup Series career. He brings a wealth of experience at Daytona International Speedway, with nine previous starts in the Daytona 500. His personal best finish in the "Great American Race" came in 2024, where he achieved a fourth-place result. LaJoie was also a strong contender in last year’s event, running within the top five before being caught in a last-lap incident. His connection to RFK Racing has already been established, as he was named the substitute driver for Brad Keselowski’s No. 6 entry in the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium while Keselowski recovered from a leg injury.

The decision to field a fourth car has been articulated by team co-owner Brad Keselowski as a strategic imperative for maximizing their chances of winning 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. He further elaborated on the nuances of superspeedway racing, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and coordinated efforts. "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." This perspective highlights the collaborative nature of drafting-style racing, where additional cars can provide strategic advantages in managing track position and airflow.

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The last time RFK Racing fielded four entries in the Daytona 500 was in 2012, a year that culminated in a victory for Matt Kenseth. This historical precedent underscores the team’s ambition to replicate past success with this expanded effort.

Should LaJoie successfully navigate the competitive qualifying process and secure a spot in the starting grid, it will mark his 277th career start at the NASCAR Cup Series level. The field of open entries for the Daytona 500 is typically robust, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and ambitious newcomers vying for a coveted starting position.

LaJoie expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity, stating, "This is 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." This sentiment underscores the significance of the partnership and the perceived strength of the RFK Racing program for the upcoming race.

Primary sponsorship for LaJoie and the No. 99 Ford Mustang at Daytona will be provided by Trimble, a company specializing in technology for construction, agriculture, and logistics. The partnership with Trimble is expected to be a key component in supporting the team’s efforts throughout the event.

The introduction of a fourth car by RFK Racing signals a strong commitment to contending for victory in the Daytona 500. The team’s history with the No. 99, coupled with LaJoie’s proven track record at Daytona, creates an intriguing narrative as the 2024 NASCAR season approaches. The strategic implications of an additional car in the draft, as articulated by Keselowski, suggest a calculated approach to maximizing their chances in what is often an unpredictable and fiercely competitive superspeedway race. The team’s focus will now shift to the qualifying procedures, where LaJoie will need to perform to secure his place in the field for this iconic event.