RFK adds fourth Daytona 500 entry for LaJoie

RFK Racing will enter a fourth car for the season-opening Daytona 500 with Corey LaJoie behind the wheel.

LaJoie, the reserve driver at RFK Racing who will substitute for the injured Brad Keselowski in the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, will attempt to qualify in Daytona behind the wheel of the No. 99 Ford Mustang. Trimble will expand its partnership with the organization by sponsoring the effort.

“This is a dream come true to get an opportunity with RFK Racing at the Daytona 500,” LaJoie said. “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 was used at RFK Racing from 1996 through 2014. Jeff Burton and Carl Edwards were the most notable drivers to use the number, with Burton winning 17 times and Edwards 23.

Most recently, the number was used at Trackhouse Racing by Daniel Suarez. However, Suarez departed the company ahead of this season, and the team has since switched to a different number.

RFK Racing fields three full-time entries for Keselowski, who is also the co-owner of the company, Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece. LaJoie has not been full-time in the series since 2024.

“From a competition standpoint, having a fourth car gives us and Ford Racing a better chance to win the Daytona 500,” Keselowski said. “It’s not just 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.”

None of the RFK Racing drivers has won the Daytona 500. The last time a Roush car won the Daytona 500 was in 2012 with Matt Kenseth. It was the second of two wins the company has in the sport’s biggest race.

“Daytona is the one race where preparation and teamwork are amplified,” RFK Racing president Chip Bowers said. “Corey’s familiarity with our systems and people, combined with Trimble’s collaboration, allows us to be bold, aggressive and committed. This is a well-planned extension of our overall Daytona strategy.”