In an announcement on January 20, one NASCAR Cup Series team shared it’s bringing back a historic number for them and adding a fourth entry for the upcoming Daytona 500.
Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing will have Corey LaJoie driving their No. 99 Ford in an attempt to make The Great American Race. LaJoie will have Trimble on the car as a primary sponsor.
LaJoie Already on Board
When team owner/driver Brad Keselowski broke his leg in a ski resort parking lot last December, it was decided he would not be healed up enough to compete in The Clash. That non-points race is being held on February 1 at Bowman Gray Stadium.
So, the team turned to veteran driver LaJoie to fill in for Keselowski in the No. 9 Ford entry. Keselowski said he’d be ready for the upcoming racing actives at Daytona International Speedway beginning Wednesday, February 11.
LaJoie will join Keselowski and full-time RFK drivers Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece for Daytona Speedweeks.
“This is a dream come true to get an opportunity with RFK Racing at the Daytona 500,” said Lajoie. “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.”
Four Cars, Four Chances
Despite the fact LaJoie and the No. 99 team will have to race their way into the Daytona 500 without a charter, the team says the added car is advantageous.
“From a competition standpoint, having a fourth car gives us and Ford Racing a better chance to win the Daytona 500,” said Keselowski. “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.”
The addition will also allow RFK to gain more data that can be shared amongst all four teams. With practice and the qualifying races to determine the final starting line-up, every morsel of info is of great value.
“Daytona is the one race where preparation and teamwork are amplified,” said Chip Bowers, President of RFK Racing. “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.”
No. 99 has Winning History with RFK
Throughout 19-consecutive seasons from 1996 to 2014, the No. 99 Ford team visited Victory Lane 40 times. Jeff Burton piloted the entry to a win 17 times from 1996 to 2004 before Carl Edwards added 23 checkered flags up until 2014.
For primary sponsor Trimble, this additional entry expands on the four-race sponsorship they had with RFK last season. They are already committed to five races with Keselowski this season as part of multi-year agreement.
“We are leveling up with RFK Racing by taking center stage at the Daytona 500,” said Heather Adkins, CMO at Trimble. “This event represents the pinnacle of performance and precision – values that remain at the crossover of our audiences.
“We are proud to power this expanded effort and excited to showcase Trimble’s commitment to excellence on the biggest platform in racing.”
The Daytona 500 kicks off the NCS season on Sunday, February 15. The race will be aired live on FOX-TV, MRN and Sirius XM Radio for the 2:30 p.m. ET start.
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