RFK Racing is pulling out all the stops for next month’s Daytona 500 by adding a fourth entry to its lineup. The move brings back one of the most legendary numbers in team history, as Corey LaJoie is set to drive the No. 99 Trimble Ford Mustang in the Feb. 15 race.
The No. 99 carries deep meaning for the organization, having produced 40 wins over nearly two decades of competition.
RFK Racing Brings Back Historic No. 99 for Corey LaJoie’s Daytona 500 Run
It’s not just a throwback. Team co-owner and driver Brad Keselowski says it’s a calculated play to boost RFK’s Daytona 500 chances.
“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 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 No. 99 carries serious history with RFK Racing. Jeff Burton drove it from 1996 to 2004, scoring 17 victories. Carl Edwards then took over from 2004 to 2014, adding 23 more wins.
The number hasn’t appeared on an RFK car since Ryan Reed made a one-off start in 2016, though Trackhouse Racing used it from 2021 to 2025 with Daniel Suarez.
LaJoie has already proven himself as a valuable asset to the team. He’s stepping in for Keselowski at the Cook Out Clash on Feb. 1 while the team owner recovers from a broken leg.
His familiarity with RFK’s systems and his superspeedway experience made him the natural choice for this expanded Daytona 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 34-year-old brings solid credentials to the ride. He has nine previous Daytona 500 starts with a best finish of fourth in 2024.
Last year, he was running in the top five before getting caught up in a final-lap crash. Overall, he’s scored five career top-10 finishes at Daytona.
This will be the first time RFK has fielded four cars in a race since the fall 2016 event at Talladega. The team last won the Daytona 500 with a four-car effort in 2012 when Matt Kenseth took the checkered flag.
LaJoie will need to qualify for the race as an open entry, competing alongside RFK’s chartered cars: Chris Buescher in the No. 17, Ryan Preece in the No. 60, and Keselowski in the No. 6. If he makes the field, it will be his 277th career Cup Series start.
