Lajoie seizes a crucial Cup Series chance with RFK Racing, proving his unwavering drive, now eyeing Daytona glory
In the high-stakes world of NASCAR Cup Series racing, opportunities can vanish as quickly as they appear, but for Corey Lajoie, persistence has always been the name of the game.
On February 4, 2026, Lajoie stepped into the spotlight once again, filling in for Brad Keselowski in RFK Racing's No. 6 Ford during The Clash at the Bowman Gray Stadium. Though he didn't qualify for the main event, the experience marked a pivotal moment for the 34-year-old driver, who has been without a full-time ride for over a year.
Now, with his sights set on the upcoming Daytona 500, Lajoie is gearing up for what could be his most significant chance since a brief stint with Hendrick Motorsports. Lajoie's journey back to the Cup Series has been anything but straightforward. After parting ways with Spire Motorsports at the end of the 2024 season, he found himself on the sidelines, watching as the sport he loves continued without him. Yet, Lajoie has remained unwavering in his commitment to racing on Sundays—the pinnacle of NASCAR competition.
"I'm not giving up on the Cup dream," he's said repeatedly, turning down offers from lower-tier series like the Xfinity or Truck Series.
Instead, he's focused on proving he still belongs among the elite, even if it means waiting for the right door to open. That door cracked ajar when Keselowski, co-owner and driver for RFK Racing, suffered an injury that sidelined him for The Clash. Lajoie was tapped to substitute, a decision that spoke volumes about his reputation in the garage.
Reflecting on the moment, Lajoie shared his thoughts: "I think it’s house money. I was gonna be a carbon guy, still working on that and still working on standing up a business over there at dad’s shop. Just when I was almost not content per se, but starting to grasp the idea that the window is closed being a race car driver then this opportunity arose. I hate it for Brad. I saw him yesterday and he’s as sharp as he’s ever been. He’s getting around well, so I’m excited for him to be back in the fold next week, but this opportunity has been awesome. I think there’s always pressure. If you don’t feel the pressure, then you don’t understand the gravity of what the opportunity is, and just to remind myself that I’ve been doing it for 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 I can do a good job is certainly an honor. It’s been cool to be in the mix and prep in the sim again, kind of knocking the rust off, but when the rubber hits the road here shortly hopefully we shake out pretty good."
While The Clash didn't yield the results he hoped for, Lajoie's performance showed flashes of the skill that once made him a promising talent. This gig with RFK echoes his previous high-profile substitute role in 2023, when he filled in for an injured Chase Elliott at Hendrick Motorsports. That day, however, ended in disappointment with a crash that derailed any momentum. Lajoie has been candid about the letdown, but he's using it as fuel rather than a deterrent.
"I've been close before," he noted, referring to his career highs, including a memorable ARCA win at Daytona in 2012 that set him on the path to Cup aspirations.
Looking ahead to the Daytona 500 on February 15, 2026, Lajoie will attempt to qualify the No. 99 car, a challenge that demands precision and strategy on the superspeedway. Lajoie is approaching it with full intensity. He's particularly optimistic about the team dynamic at RFK, which includes teammates Keselowski, Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece.
"It gives me a lot of confidence," Lajoie explained.
"I went down there with no friends and made the race as an Open car my first time. I went there last year with relatively no friends with Rick and we executed the Duels great and we made the race, so to have more or less a factory supported Ford car to try to make the race, and just strength in numbers is why RFK is doing it, and to have Brad and Chris and Ryan, all three, no matter how the Duels shake out, I feel like we’re gonna have some good backup to put ourselves in a good position, but we also can’t let our guard down. We’ve got to press and we’ve got to go attack to make sure we cover everybody else, but I know the guys at the shop, even today, are working on the 500 car to make sure that thing can go qualify in on speed on Wednesday night. I know that’s the priority for the team, but, for me, I go down there with all eyes focused on executing the details on Thursday night to be in the race."
Beyond the track, Lajoie has built a solid foundation in media, which could serve as a safety net if racing doors close permanently. Last season, he excelled as an analyst for Prime Video's NASCAR coverage, bringing sharp insights and charisma to the broadcast booth.
Coupled with his podcasting ventures, including appearances on popular shows like Stacking Pennies, Lajoie has carved out a promising post-racing career. Fans and insiders alike praise his natural ability to break down races with humor and expertise, making him a fan favorite off the track.
Yet, racing remains his passion, and Lajoie's outlook on the next 5-10 years reflects a man at peace with uncertainty.
"That’s a daily wrestle because it’s pretty straightforward when you’re chasing being a race car driver," he said. "If you rewind to 2012 when we won here in the ARCA car, the whole road map was more or less planned – you do whatever you could possibly do to be a Cup driver. To be a Cup winner and a Cup champion was the goal. I got close. I reached the top of the spear as I had hoped. I wish there was always more, but transitioning, not necessarily voluntarily, but transitioning to Prime, that group was unbelievable. I’m excited to run it back with those guys. I’m doing some truck stuff. Hanging out with my kids more. I’m trying to stand up a business. All of these things are learning experiences and ultimately it’s just taught me to hold things much looser of what I feel like I need to take my life and just honestly let the Lord take it. If that’s as a race car driver for the next couple weeks, great. I’m gonna give everything I’ve got to that opportunity, and if it’s the next thing, then I’ll just hold it loosely and just be present with every passing day because it is 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 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, and I’m glad I get to have that clear-cut goal for the next two weeks."
As Lajoie heads to Daytona, the NASCAR community is watching closely. Will this opportunity with RFK reignite his career, or will it be another chapter in a story of near-misses?
One thing is certain: Corey Lajoie isn't done fighting for his place in the Cup Series.
With his blend of talent, determination, and adaptability, he's poised to make the most of whatever comes next—whether it's behind the wheel or in front of the camera.