Unexpected Return: RFK Racing Calls on Corey LaJoie Amidst Keselowski's Injury

Corey LaJoie finds himself back in the NASCAR Cup Series fold, a development that arrived with the unexpected nature of a late-season call-up. For the next week and a half, LaJoie will occupy a seat in the highly competitive Cup Series, a role he has held for a significant portion of the current decade. His return comes as a direct consequence of an unfortunate injury sustained by Brad Keselowski, the formidable driver and co-owner of RFK Racing.

Keselowski suffered a fractured right femur during a family skiing excursion on December 18th. This injury has sidelined him from competition, creating an opening that LaJoie has been tapped to fill. LaJoie is slated to pilot the iconic RFK Racing No. 6 car in the upcoming Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. This engagement is in addition to his previously scheduled appearance in the equally storied RFK Racing No. 99 at the Daytona 500, marking a significant resurgence for the driver.

The recent past has seen LaJoie navigate a transitional period in his NASCAR career. He lost his full-time ride with Spire Motorsports at the conclusion of the 2024 season. Since then, he has explored opportunities in the Truck Series and has also ventured into media, making television appearances with Amazon Prime’s coverage of select Cup Series events. This year, LaJoie had planned a schedule that included a mix of Truck Series starts alongside his burgeoning media commitments, including television and podcasting. This multi-faceted approach reflects a phase where LaJoie has been actively redefining his identity within the NASCAR landscape.

Speaking ahead of the Clash, LaJoie acknowledged the internal dialogue surrounding his career trajectory. "That’s a daily wrestle because it’s pretty straightforward when you’re chasing being a race car driver," he stated during a press conference. He recalled a time when his path seemed clearly defined, specifically in 2012 when he secured a victory at Bowman Gray in the K&N West Series. At that point, he was on a trajectory mirroring his father, Randy LaJoie, a two-time Busch Series champion, aiming for the pinnacle of NASCAR competition.

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LaJoie expressed his ambition to not only reach the highest echelons but to contend for race wins and championships. "I got close," he reflected. "I reached the top of the spear as I had hoped. I wish there was always more, but transitioning, not necessarily voluntarily but transitioning to Prime, that group was unbelievable. I’m excited to run it back with those guys. I’m doing some truck stuff." He also highlighted his efforts to balance his racing aspirations with personal life, including spending more time with his children and exploring new business ventures. "Hanging out with my kids more. I’m trying to start up a business. All of these things are learning experiences and ultimately, it’s just taught me to hold things much closer and let the Lord take the wheel," LaJoie added.

He emphasized that while further racing opportunities are welcomed and will receive his full commitment, his current focus is on being more present in his daily life. "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 500 to really lock in and focus," LaJoie commented. He finds clarity in the direct goals of motorsport: "In racing, your goals are really clear. It’s to prepare and do a better job than the next guy, and I’m glad I get to have that clear-cut goal for the next two weeks."

LaJoie characterized his upcoming appearances in The Clash and the Daytona 500 as opportunities where he feels he is competing with house money. "Just when I was starting to grasp the idea that the window is closed being a race car driver then this opportunity arose," he said. He expressed his sympathy for Keselowski’s injury, noting, "I hate it for Brad. I saw him yesterday and he’s as sharp as he’s ever been. He’s getting around well, so I’m excited for him to be back in the fold next week, but this opportunity has been awesome."

Reflecting on the pressure of stepping into a competitive Cup Series car for RFK Racing, LaJoie acknowledged its presence. "I think there’s always pressure. If you don’t feel the pressure, then you don’t understand the gravity of what the opportunity is," he stated. He sees his selection as a validation of his past performance, saying, "and just to remind myself that I’ve been doing it for 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 I can do a good job is certainly an honor."

LaJoie has been actively preparing for these upcoming races, including simulator work to shake off any rust. "It’s been cool to be in the mix and prep in the sim again, kind of knocking the rust off, but when the rubber hits the road here shortly hopefully we shake out pretty good," he concluded. His return to the Cup Series, albeit under unfortunate circumstances for Keselowski, marks a significant chapter for LaJoie, providing him with a high-profile platform to showcase his talent and potentially reignite his full-time Cup career aspirations. The upcoming races at Bowman Gray Stadium and Daytona International Speedway will be closely watched as LaJoie aims to make the most of this unexpected second chance.

The inclusion of LaJoie in the Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium also brings a certain narrative depth to the event. Bowman Gray Stadium, a historic short track, has been a proving ground for many NASCAR drivers, including LaJoie himself early in his career. His previous success on this venue, coupled with the high-stakes nature of the exhibition race, sets the stage for an intriguing performance. RFK Racing, under the leadership of Keselowski and Bob Jenkins, has been making strides in recent seasons, and LaJoie’s participation offers a different dynamic to their competitive efforts. The team’s performance in the early part of the season will be crucial in setting the tone for their overall campaign, and LaJoie’s contribution will be closely scrutinized.

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