The garage at Daytona International Speedway is about to feel a little tighter, and for Corey LaJoie, a lot more promising. RFK Racing shook up the Speedweeks landscape by announcing the return of the storied No. 99 Ford Mustang, adding a fourth entry to its roster for the 68th running of the Great American Race.
This isn’t a symbolic gesture, but a calculated move. LaJoie, long respected for his ability to navigate the chess match of superspeedway racing, will wheel the No. 99 as an “open” entry. That means nothing is guaranteed. He’ll have to earn his way into Sunday’s field through raw qualifying speed or by surviving the Duels.
A Nod to History and a Fight for the Future
The sight of the No. 99 back under the Roush Fenway Keselowski banner will strike a chord with fans who remember the team’s heyday. The number carries a legacy built by Carl Edwards and Jeff Burton, who combined for 40 wins with it. Now, after nearly a decade on the sidelines, it returns with Trimble on board as the primary sponsor.
For LaJoie, this marks one of the strongest superspeedway opportunities of his career. He’s made a name for himself by wringing every ounce of performance out of mid-tier equipment, especially in the draft.
His résumé includes a fourth-place finish in the 2024 Daytona 500 and a top-five run last year before a last-lap crash ended his bid.“This is without a doubt the best car and opportunity I’ve had at Daytona,” LaJoie said, fully aware of what’s at stake. “I’m grateful for the trust they’ve placed in me.”
What This Means for Speedweeks
LaJoie’s addition isn’t simply a feel-good story. It’s a strategic reinforcement for Brad Keselowski and the Ford camp. Superspeedway racing rewards teamwork. With LaJoie joining Keselowski, Chris Buescher, and Ryan Preece, RFK Racing strengthens its ability to manage lanes, control the draft, and protect its cars as the race tightens.
After a stretch of up-and-down seasons, this is a chance for LaJoie to reassert himself as a Daytona threat. With no points implications, his only job is to be quick and make the show. As an open entry, the margin for error is razor-thin. A misstep in the Duels or a lack of speed in qualifying could send the No. 99 home before the main event.
What’s Next
The Daytona 500 field is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. By pairing a proven superspeedway racer with a revived number rich in team history, RFK Racing is making it clear they intend to chase the Harley J. Earl Trophy with everything they’ve got. For LaJoie, the path is straightforward: qualify, survive the mayhem, and try to put the No. 99 back where Edwards and Burton once stood in Victory Lane.
