RFK Racing have revealed a fourth entry into this year's Daytona 500, running one of the sport's more iconic numbers.
The No. 99 car brought 40 NASCAR Cup Series wins to the team in a 19-year stretch, with Jeff Burton delivering 17 of those and Carl Edwards the other 23, and it will return to Daytona next month at the hands of Corey LaJoie.
This will be LaJoie's tenth entry into the Great American Race, but driving a non-chartered car means that he'll be competing for one of four open spots in the race – with three drivers set to miss the cut.
The 34-year-old will also be racing for RFK in the No. 6 car at the pre-season Clash at Bowman Gray, filling in for the injured Brad Keselowski after the former Cup Series champion broke his femur on a family ski trip.
Keselowski: An extra car at Daytona is a strategic boost
Keselowski, also a co-owner of the team, said in a statement: “From a competition standpoint, having a fourth car gives us and Ford Racing a better chance to win the Daytona 500. 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.”
LaJoie, who has three top-ten finishes at the race, added: “This is a dream come true to get an opportunity with RFK Racing at the Daytona 500. 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.”
Team president Chip Bowers concluded: “Daytona is the one race where preparation and teamwork are amplified. 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.”
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