Just when Corey LaJoie thought his NASCAR racing career might have been over, opportunity knocked ahead of the 2026 season. The 34-year-old was focused on starting his own carbon fiber business, but then he got the nod from RFK Racing.
In this Wednesday night’s (February 4) Cook Out Clash, LaJoie is piloting the #6 RFK Racing Ford as a relief driver for the injured Brad Keselowski, and fielding a fourth entry for the team in the February 15 Daytona 500, where he’ll be behind the wheel of the #99.
Ahead of the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, LaJoie spoke to the press about the surprise opportunity with RFK Racing.
“Just when I was almost, not content per se, but starting to grasp the idea that the window is closing on being a race car driver, then this opportunity arose,” LaJoie said.
After not landing a full-time Cup Series ride for 2025, LaJoie ventured off into other projects, such as part-time CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts, working as an analyst for NASCAR on Prime, and starting up his own business.
Through it all, LaJoie said he’s learned to take opportunities more “loosely” and is thrilled to be getting behind the wheel for at least two weeks. LaJoie added the chances to drive are “ever-changing.”
“It’s been fun. 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 [Daytona] 500 to really lock in and focus. In racing, your goals are really clear. It’s to prepare and do a better job than the next guy. I’m glad I get to have that clear, cut goal for the next two weeks,” LaJoie said.
Brad Keselowski Suffered a Broken Leg Over The Offseason
Last December, Brad Keselowski suffered a broken leg on a ski trip, which put the beginning of his 2026 season in jeopardy. The 2012 Cup Series champion is hopeful to return for the Daytona 500 on February 15, but will be sidelined for The Clash.
This opened the door for LaJoie to get behind the wheel of the #6 machine. While LaJoie said he’s hopeful Keselowski can recover in time for Daytona, he’s honored to be given the chance to race this week, albeit the pressure he’s feeling.
“If you don’t feel the pressure, then you don’t understand the gravity of what the opportunity is. Just remind myself that I’ve been doing it 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 can do a good job is certainly an honor,” LaJoie said.
No Future Cup Plans For LaJoie After Daytona 500
While an opportunity opened up for Corey LaJoie at the start of the 2026 season, there are no announced plans after the Daytona 500 for the North Carolina native to race in the Cup Series in 2026.
LaJoie has made 276 career starts in the NASCAR Cup Series. He’s recorded 11 top-10 finishes and a best finish of 25th in the points standings in 2023.
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